Want to connect with other women 40+, make friends, and have fun? Then join The Girlfriend Social Club today! You'll love it!

Family

Family relationships evolve and not always in easy ways. This space explores parenting, empty-nest transitions, and multigenerational bonds, including estrangement from siblings or children and choosing to be childfree. Find thoughtful advice and real stories about staying connected, setting boundaries and supporting family health across every stage.

All Relationships Topics

The Subtle Art Of Not Judging Son's Girlfriends

And what it took years to learn.

The Best Parenting Decision I Ever Made

And it will impact my children forever.

The Struggle To Understand My Grown Daughter

A mother reflects on unlearning old beliefs while supporting her child’s identity

Family Advice and Tips

Why I Am Scared Of Having To Care For My Parents

A personal reflection on aging, denial and the reality of caregiving

Why I Now Believe In Signs Of An Afterlife

I got my very first signal from the dead just over three years ago

7 Unique Gifts For The Mother Who Has Everything

Seven creative ideas that go beyond chocolate and flowers

Why This Grown Woman Still Needs Her Parents

We don’t have proximity on our side, but we make up for it in belonging.

Why I Sometimes Envy My Daughters’ Joyful Lives

Feeling conflicted watching your kids thrive while you adjust

The One Thing I Do Not Allow My Adult Kids

How one mom set boundaries to stop gossip and build trust

Simple Ways To Feel Christmas Magic Again

Shift holiday stress into joy with simple mindset resets

How I Brought Recess Back Into My Adult Life

Fresh ways to add playful joy and movement to your days

My Grown Son’s Face Tattoo Threw Me For A Loop

Navigating surprise ink and setting new midlife boundaries

My Empty Nest Is Coming With Mixed Emotions

New routines, quieter days and a marriage ready to evolve

When Midlife Love Means Loving From Afar

Finding connection when kids and distance shape romance

My Mom Is Here Yet Somehow Feels So Far Away

Holding on to small moments as dementia slowly changes her

The Hard Talk With My Dad I’m Grateful For

Facing end of life wishes with honesty, love and calm

What My Teen Says About My Age And Our Future

Facing big feelings about parenting later in life

Her Final Gift Helped Us Heal Our Grief

Simple ways to leave meaning and comfort for your family

New Grandma Joy And Why I Feel Younger Now

Fresh energy, new routines and joy in this next chapter

Relationships Topics

More Relationships From AARP

Discover more ways AARP can help you live well, navigate aging, save money, and protect older Americans on issues that matter.