How to Build a Relationship With Your Mom
Whether there has been a conflict between you or you simply wish to strengthen the bond you share, building a relationship with your mother is a lot like building or strengthening any relationship. You must nurture the relationship with time, attention and understanding. Take control of the situation by being the one to reach out to your mom, and exploring those things you can do together which allow you to relate to each other on a more individual level, rather than just as mother and child.
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Instructions
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Make the first move if there has been a disagreement. Often unresolved conflict prevents someone from throwing up the white flag and trying to make amends. Make the conscious decision to reconcile and rebuild your relationship. If your relationship is already good, call your mom and spend time with her. Find out what she likes to do and join her in one of her hobbies, or invite her to join you for one of yours.
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Go into the relationship as another adult, rather than assuming the child role. Don't just rely on your mom to bail you out of trouble or advise you how to handle problems, communicate with her about the kinds of things you'd talk about with your other friends so you can relate on a more equal basis.
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Forgive the past in the event there are unresolved issues. This process is more for you than your mom, because it allows you to move past any underlying pain and disappointment.
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Treat your mom the way you would like to be treated. Extend respect, respect boundaries and show interest and consideration. Accept your mother for the person she is, just as you wish to be accepted for the person that you are. Celebrate her individuality and let her know how much you appreciate her.
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Accept that there will be issues on which you'll never see eye to eye, but that doesn't have to affect your relationship. Instead agree to leave arguments in the past and move on.
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References
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