The family is still in the leading positions in the hierarchy of values among people, even though some individuals do not have a good relationship with their children or parents. The majority of middle-aged individuals try to preserve a good connection with their families because they realize their parents are old and all they want is quality time (Santrock, 2019). They also want to be heard because of the necessity of feeling important.
As a middle-aged person, I am lucky to have a strong bond with my parents. I fully respect them and their boundaries; however, sometimes, they try to impose things on me that I do not like. My family started treating me as an adult once I moved out, but they still consider me their child in terms of providing care and love. Occasionally, they ask if I need any food or money, which sounds slightly odd since I am an independent person who has earned money since my early 20s. My parents often tried to transmit the views and values, but apart from inheriting their perspectives, I developed my own. Sometimes they cause major arguments no matter how hard I try to respect my mother and father.
The main principle for me is to express the difference even if I disagree on some issues, and I ask for it in return. Older adults tend to be increasingly sensitive when their children do not behave as they want them to (Santrock, 2019). Nevertheless, they need to comprehend that their kids are grown-up individuals with jobs and families. I had this struggle with my family and, eventually, they accepted my point of view. In general, my parents and I completely accept and respect each other.
Reference
Santrock, J.W. (2019). Life-span development (17th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.