He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents…” Malachi 4:6 (NIV)

Well, dag-nab-it! I was so sure my post for this past Monday had published. Since I’ve been working hard to share daily prayers, I was incredibly disappointed to realize it didn’t go live! I’m still scratching my head wondering what went wrong, but—sigh—oh well! Let’s move forward and continue our discussion on parent-child conflicts.

As a parent of adult children, I’ve learned to be a bit “side-eyed” when people are quick to criticize my kids. Positive updates? Let’s talk all day! Navigating life’s disappointments? We can go there too. But the conversation should never reach a point where we discard our children. Sadly, discarding kids seems to be a common theme when they don’t fit into a specific “mold” of expectations.

Recently, I had a tough conversation with a friend. I mentioned that her son—who is biracial—strongly connects to his white heritage. To her, that seemed taboo. But the reality is, it’s part of who he is.

In her pride for her own Blackness, she struggles to temper her “Black and Proud” behavior to meet him where he is. She expects him to accept her exactly as she is, just as she did with her own mother. However, if his social circle is primarily Caucasian, those influences are setting the benchmark for his expectations. He then comes home to a “loud, boundary-setting Black woman.”

Now, let’s be clear: not all Black women fit that stereotype. But it is a way the world—and perhaps her son—views the dynamic. The truth is, there are good and bad parents in all races, and bridging these cultural and generational gaps takes patience and empathy.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

We come to You today with hearts open for the families navigating the complexities of identity and heritage. Lord, we thank You for the beautiful diversity You have created, and we ask for Your divine wisdom to help parents and adult children bridge the gaps that culture, race, and expectations can create.

Soften our hearts when we feel our children have “strayed” from the mold we envisioned for them. Help us to see them through Your eyes—as individuals fearfully and wonderfully made, navigating their own unique journeys. Give us the grace to listen before we speak and the humility to respect their boundaries, even as we stand firm in our own truth.

We pray specifically for reconciliation where there has been misunderstanding or rejection. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our homes and bring a spirit of unity and authentic love that reflects Your kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’d love to hear from you!
Have you ever experienced a “clash of cultures” or expectations within your own family? How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your heritage and meeting your children where they are? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s encourage one another as we navigate these tricky waters together.