Even though your child is an adult and no longer has to obey you as a parent, they should still honor and respect you. AGREE?
They no longer need your permission or approval to make major life decisions, and they are not required or obligated or mandated or commanded to tell you when they have made a choice for their lives.
But shouldn't they show some consideration for your feelings and your concerns. After all, as a parent, you don't stop wanting the best for your child once they are adults. Do you?
Example: Two of our children decided to travel to another country. They did not inform us (their parents) of the trips. Suppose something terrible happened to either one of them on foreign soil? We didn't even know they were out of the country. By the grace of God, they both returned home safely. But I did not appreciate that we were not told. Of course we would have objected, because we were concerned for their safety, etc. But they would have gone anyway. THEY'RE ADULTS!! But at least we would have known where they were!
Do you know how painful it us for a child to disappear or to get hurt or whatever - at home or in a far away land - and the parent is left there with a huge question mark and a pain in their heart??
Example: Another child decided to change the faith she was brought up in. We only found out because we asked a casual question about what she was doing with her life. Shouldn't she have told us, out of respect. Of course we would have objected. But she would have made the decision. anyway! SHE'S AN ADULT!
What? Do children think parents stop loving and caring just because their adults now? Don't they know the parents care, if they fall down when they are 2 or 12 years old or when they're 20 or 30 or 40 years old??
The Bible has two commandments (Christian scriptures):
~ #1: Honor thy father and they mother ...
~ #2: Children, obey your parents ...
You're not a child any more in our home. OK. I get that! You don't have to OBEY us because you don't live in our house and you're not under our rules. (Don't get "technical". I know some grown kids still live with their parents. But you get my point.)
But my husband and I are still a father and a mother no matter where our child or children live!
Commandment #1 is still in effect!