Transitions: Stories of how to help Mom and Dad with their stuff

by Jean Long Manteufel

"Mom and Dad need help with all their stuff, and honestly, I'm getting worn out trying to help them." When seniors are downsizing from the house they've been in for over 50 years, it can be overwhelming. Repeatedly we hear: "I don't know where to start." Often there are tears. They need help to deal with all the stuff - whether it is the stuff in their home, or the emotional stuff they are faced with. Boomer kids are looking for direction too. "Why won't Mom do what I want?," and "My brother won't help me." The popular line: "We're going to get a dumpster." Transitions is a monthly column to guide seniors and their children through these changes. It is about the emotion and the commotion of making the transition. With ideas for both generations, the goal is to coach, encourage and guide folks through the process. This is a collection of fifty of those columns. The stories often aren't just one person's story. If they feel familiar, it is because there are many of us sharing the same challenges. You aren't alone.

218 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2014

Reviews

[Rob Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transitions: Stories of How to Help Mom and Dad with Their Stuff by Jean Long Manteufel is a compassionate and practical guide for adult children navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of assisting aging parents. Manteufel combines real-life anecdotes, clear guidance, and empathy to create a resource that is both relatable and actionable.

The book excels in balancing emotional sensitivity with practical advice. Readers are offered strategies for managing estates, organizing personal belongings, and facilitating conversations with care and understanding. Manteufel’s approachable style makes complex family and logistical issues accessible, providing readers with the confidence and tools to handle sensitive situations effectively.

What makes Transitions particularly valuable is its emphasis on empathy and communication. Manteufel addresses not only the practical aspects of helping parents, but also the emotional dynamics that arise in these situations. The book is an empowering guide for families seeking to navigate transitions with care, respect, and clarity.

[Carol Haaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book
Everyone who deals with seniors should read this.

[Jill Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

How timely -- I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am at the beginning stages of needing to deal with this very issue. Jean writes with such grace and compassion.....she really helped me see this situation through my parents' eyes and understand more what they are going through and how I can be helpful to them. There were a few grammatical/missing word issues in this book, but I'm giving it a 5-star rating anyway just because it is so helpful to me, and because it was written with such obvious love and an abundance of understanding. Thank you, Jean.