Today we’re re-posting our first blog, to remind our readers –and ourselves — why we exist.

“Tough Conversations” was born from the stories of our mediation clients and our own experiences caring for elderly parents.  Even with years of training and experience, we had to learn through trial and error.  We hope readers will profit from our experience.

Intergenerational discussions of family problems can be painful and hard.  If unresolved differences end up in court, all hope for healthy future relationships may die.  We aim to help clients find solutions that meet the needs of everyone, that everyone owns, and that strengthen family bonds.  We think communication is the key.

This blog is dedicated to pastors, social workers, probate lawyers and others who serve families of older adults and their “sandwich generation” children, and to the families themselves.

Our goals are to help families and others

– Solve problems through compassionate communication

– Preserve and improve relationships

– Foresee and prevent situations before they become conflicts

We welcome your own stories and other feedback!

Carolyn Parr and Sig Cohen