How to Deal With Closed-Minded and Conservative Parents

Closed-minded and conservative parents can be hard to deal with.

Dealing with closed-minded and conservative parents can be difficult for teenagers and adults. If you don't share some of your parents' opinions, it could drive you apart. Everything becomes worse if you still live at home, in the confines of a house that is likely paid for by your parents and at a table that is likely set with food that they prepared and purchased. You might have to accept some of the opinions and rules set out by your benefactors.

Instructions

1. Resolve in the fact that you won't likely be able to change your parents. Instead, focus more on what you want to share with them. You might find that you are keeping a lot of your opinions to yourself.

2. Tell your parents that you feel uncomfortable when they discuss topics that you view as closed-minded and conservative. Ask them to refrain from the topics when you are present.

3. Accept the fact that you might have to perform actions against your parents' will. Be confident that it is your life and not theirs. However, know that if you are still supported by them, and especially if you are a minor, they have clout over you and what you do.

4. Bear in mind that if you are young, some of your parents' requests could be for the best and it can be hard to gauge whether they are being reasonable. For example, while a curfew at 10 p.m. can seem conservative, this might be appropriate for a person your age, especially on a school night.

5. Tell your parents about why you think their view is closed-minded and too conservative. You might be able to make some key points that could change their views. Try not to be overbearing; instead, offer information rather than force information.

References

• Teen Publish: How to Deal With Conservative Parents
• AlterNet: 5 Ways to Deal With Your Conservative Relatives This Thanksgiving