Dear MOTIVATION: As I grow older, I feel increasingly invisible to my young adult children. They rarely visit, ask if I need anything, or even call. I want to maintain a close relationship with them and my grandchildren, but I worry that expressing my feelings might come off as needy and push them further away. What can I do to encourage them to prioritize our time together without sounding desperate or upset? I miss those moments we used to share and hope to rebuild our connection, strengthen our bond, and have more frequent get-togethers. — LONELY MOM SEEKING CONNECTION IN WEST VIRGINIA 

DEAR LONELY MOM: My heart, prayers, support, and love go out to you as I type this response to your heartfelt letter. It’s understandable to feel overlooked and left out as your children navigate their own lives. Begin by being open about your feelings, emphasizing how much you cherish your time together. Try inviting them for a casual get-together, such as a family dinner, or spending time at the park as a family, including your grandchildren, where everyone can reconnect, reflect, talk, and create joyful memories. Suggest activities they enjoy, such as movie or board game nights, to make visits more appealing and fun. Remember, it’s normal for young adults to be busy, but with patience, understanding, and a little creativity, you can encourage them to prioritize and include you more to strengthen relationships with everyone (family).