How to have a Heart-to-Heart Conversation with Your Loved Ones

There’s One Conversation You Should Not Avoid
By: Kevin Alderink

Cheryl was in her mid-forties when her best friend’s parents both passed away within three months of each other. Cheryl walked with her friend, Anne, as Anne processed her grief and sought to pick up all the pieces left behind by her parents’ absence.

Through it all, Cheryl realized that there were many conversations she wanted to be sure she had with her parents before it was too late. She wanted to talk with them and find out exactly what they wanted to happen when they were gone.

Cheryl didn’t want to wait until an unexpected family crisis forced her to ask sensitive questions during a stressful time. Since she lived a few hours away from her parents, she only saw them in person a couple of times a year. Cheryl decided to take advantage of their time together to bring up some important topics.

She prepped her parents in advance over the phone. “Hey Mom, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions the next time I visit. Since Anne’s parents passed away, I’ve been thinking about some things I’d like to know about your own thoughts and wishes for the future.”

Cheryl’s mom was very gracious. “Oh sure, honey, we could do that. You’re right, it’s a good idea.”

By bringing it up in a non-threatening way at a neutral time, Cheryl and her parents were able to have a helpful conversation that brought much clarity to her parents’ wishes and considerations for the coming years.

One of our goals at Legacy Life Strategies is to provide resources for you to be able to initiate meaningful conversations with your loved ones. We’d love to encourage you to schedule a time to talk about important matters with your family members.

Have a look at our free download for ideas regarding conversation topics and questions to ask your family members regarding their desires for the future.

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