How to Develop a Better Relationship with Your Parents

Embrace the good times with your parents.

Developing a better relationship with your parents is important for the majority of people. Becoming older creates a level of autonomy and physical distance from parents. Adult children believe that parents are not able to understand their life styles and some believe parents want to control their lives. With that in mind, this process will require listening to advice, being understanding, managing time and communicating.

Instructions

1. Take your parents' advice seriously. Listen to their stories and learn from their past experiences. Parents don't want you to make the same mistakes they did and it hurts them to see their children go through any difficult times. Realize that your parents are not trying to control you. They only want what is best for you.

2. Understand the difference between you and your parents. Love your parents for who they are, not for who you want them to be. Realize how much they have sacrificed in order to give you the best life possible. Recognize the difference in your respective ages. Priorities change as a person grows older and wiser. Respect the way they live and in return, they will respect the way you live.

3. Manage your time better. Make the effort to spend quality time with your parents. Visit them as often as you can. Get involved in their activities. Parents love to share the excitements of their lives with their children. Listen to their adventures, as parents often want their children to hear their latest news.

4. Make an effort to communicate with you parents more often. Tell them about the parts of your life that you wish to share. Ask for advice when it's needed. Listen and acknowledge their concerns. Use reassuring statements such as, "I will definitely consider what you just said," or " I would love to hear more about this in person." Communicating openly will make them have more confident in you.

5. Make realistic expectations in terms of getting together with them. Let them know if you are not able to make a planned visit and make sure to plan another visit as soon as possible. This is important because parents will make a lot of preparations in anticipation of your visit.

References

• Cornerstones for Parents; Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Children; Laura Keuhn; Nov. 14, 2010
• Dr. Phil: Improving Your Relationship with Your Father