Final answer:
Parents report difficulties with intimacy with adult children due to the natural identity formation and independence of adulthood, complexities in blended families, and the need for a strong sense of self. Parent-child dynamics evolve as children grow, requiring parents to adapt to maintain close relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parents often report challenges in maintaining or increasing intimacy with their adult children due to several factors. As children grow into adults, they strive to form their own identities and gain independence, which can lead to less dependency on parents and consequently, less time spent together. Despite this, many teens report positive feelings towards their parents, which can continue into adulthood, positively affecting the well-being of both.
The situation becomes more complex in cases of divorce and blended families, where additional stressors and differing parental approaches need to be navigated. Moreover, parental relationships often serve as a model for their children's future relationships, with many teens prioritizing a strong marriage and family life. Yet, the transition from being the primary caregiver to a more advisory role can be a significant shift in the parent-child dynamic.
Establishing a strong sense of self during adolescence is vital for forming healthy relationships in adulthood. Without it, adults may experience loneliness and emotional isolation, making it even more challenging to maintain intimate relationships with their children or others. Furthermore, when older siblings take on parental roles due to circumstances like divorce, their relationship with younger siblings may also take on complexities that affect intimacy levels.