A Happy Family

Speaking from personal experience I can say that having an elder parent living in your house is way more fun than people think it is. Sure they might piss you off every now and again, but that is why God, in all his infinite wisdom, invented compassion towards the helpless/hopeless. When my father was first diagnosed with dementia, we all though that this was the end of Grandpa Jack as we knew him. The doctor warned us about some of the things we could expect through the course of the illness and we made bloody sure that he was well taken care of until then. We gave him all the best 'brain foods' we can afford as well as providing him with all the crosswords and all the on-line poker he can handle. Keeping his brain moving and ticking was our number one priority, for when that part of him short-circuits and fails, he was as good as gone. Eventually the disease caught up with the poor old fool, and we were left to deal will all the ramifications associated with looking after my senile father.

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Knowing is half the battle!

What I recommend here is that you educate yourself about the exact condition of the elder person in question. If your parent or grandparent is not diagnosed with any particular illness, you should still observe their condition just in case the doctors missed something. Any inappropriate mood swings, changes in speech and behavior are a clear indication that something is afoot, and you should take preventative measures before it is too late!

Arm yourself with patience.

It is not your parents' fault they are loosing their minds, so you shouldn't make a big deal when said parents forgets to turn off the stove. Sure they can start a few fires, but the way you approach them about it you should never be patronizing, demeaning or otherwise a bastard to them in any way. Remember that they were once people too! Repeating yourself like 100 times a day and arguing about mysterious misplaced/stolen belongings should never make you feel angry or spiteful. Calmly but assertively tell the elder that they are wrong, and if they still insist on deluding themselves further, just forget about the whole thing altogether; they sure will.

Make them take their medication.

If you have been looking after an elder person for a while, you would know that they are usually dropping lots and lots of prescription drugs. Blue pills, red pills, little yellow square pills, whatever! Because of their condition however, they would no longer be able to remember to take said medication, which mean you must find the time to supply it to them yourself. Like I said, patience is the key that opens the doors of success!

Treat them like you would treat any other person

If your mom or dad is acting like a child, that is because they think like a child. Now if you are one upstanding person, you would know that treating a child like its an object rather than an individual can have some pretty negative consequences on child's dignity and self-esteem. Senile old people deserve the same rights and privileges as the rest of us have, maybe even more! And because they have given most their youth raising you, you should at least give some of your time helping them! Do not send them away to some third-rate retirement home, unless you want your children to do the same to you! Smile, laugh and let nature run its course!

Author Bio: Jessica Connars is blogger, writer and family lover. She has a small company that provides home deep cleaning but her real dream is to be a professional blogger.

'Teen' years are believed to be the most difficult part of your child's life since this is the time, when they are angry, nervous, loving and emotional all the time. They experiment with their dressing style and somehow manage to tickle your patience and push it to the edge. Well, sorry to tell you that, but there is nothing you can do. The only thing, that can actually help you in this case, is finding a way to get on well with them and patiently wait for them to open their eyes for reality.

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Although we all try to be patient and understanding, there are still some people that find it very difficult to trust their teenagers. They still think of them as stupid, little kids that can easily get depressed and angry. But the truth is that teenagers need our support, understanding and advice more than we need them to be calm. At the same time, some serious talks would not be irritating for them, if we manage to stay calm and behave as we're having a normal conversation with someone at our age.

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Pessimism

Our concerns about the economical crisis, about saving the planet or the crimes, we read about in the newspaper every day, built the way they will see the world one day. We somehow forget to teach them about the good aspects of life; about the things that really worth the whole struggling. Surrounded by negativity and hatred, our teenagers in fact cannot understand how easy it is to think positively and we're supposed to show them.

Technologies

Well, teenagers love new technologies – smartphones, tablets, computers. And there is nothing wrong about that. Actually, we can always learn something new from them. Nowadays, technologies have become a great part of our lives and because of the social networks, our children are aware of the latest news and fashions. These modern gadgets are in fact very useful and functional and the fact that every teenager is able of using them is quite impressing.

Conversation

Talking properly with teenagers is the key to their trust. Even if you're a bit worried about their reaction, you have to show some interest in their problems. As we mentioned before, they're full of emotions and anxiety, and teaching them how to share is up to you.

Too much curiosity

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If you have planned on asking a hundred questions about the new boyfriend or school, we must tell you that this would be the perfect way to push a teenager away. Young people enjoy their privacy and fight for it in every way possible. You will be told something like 'It's none of your business. Leave me alone.' Perhaps this is the right place to emphasize that the 'conversation' we mentioned before, referred to more casual things. Being interested in your child's life is good, but don't go too far.

Let teenagers make their own decisions

The first thing you will have to understand is that your child is an independent individual and he/she is able of making their own choices and decisions. This is the only way to make them be a bit more responsible and face the consequences of their own mistakes and failures. Be supportive and understanding, give advice and help, but don't try to decide instead of them.

Emma Trevisani is a loving mother of two teenagers and she knows how to communicate with them. She works in a Chiswick cleaning agency and she prefers to spend the weekends with her family.