There are few greater challenges in a parent-child relationship than parenting our parents. It involves a role reversal that neither the parent nor the child wants. Yet, it’s part of honoring our parents. It is caring for them when they are unable to care for themselves.

But difficult questions arise. When does the adult child intervene? Should the parent live with the adult child, or just nearby? There are no easy answers, but I offer some suggestions to the question, “How can I best honor my parents by caring for their needs?”

1. We honor our parents when we put their real needs over what they or we want.

2. Our parents need the gift of our time, love and sacrifice, which is something they did for us when we were children.

3. How we care for our aging parents is how our children learn to honor us when we’re no longer able to care for ourselves.

Parenting our parents has long-term implications for our families, our nation, and us. Ask God to guide you as you travel down this difficult journey of life.