Crossing your arms and looking the other way. Tapping your foot impatiently while they are talking. Rolling your eyes when you disagree with something. Staring at them aggressively, or glaring at them.
Once they are finished talking, ask, “May I say something, please?”
Say, for example, “What I heard is that you want me to finish my homework and chores before I hang out with my friends. Is that correct?”
Talking to your parents will help them feel more connected to you. This will help build a trusting relationship between you and your parents.
For example, if you are at the mall with your friends and they want to go see a movie instead, text your mom or dad to see if that is ok before you head to the movies with your friends.
Say, for example, “I know you guys want to talk about this right now, but I don’t feel like it. Can we talk about it later?”
For example, if your parents ask you who you are meeting at the mall, tell them the names of all the people to your knowledge. If your parents want to know if the opposite sex or someone who you might be attracted to will be at a party, let them know they will be, but that a parent will be chaperoning the event.
For example, instead of saying, “Since I came home, you keep telling me to do my chores, but I have a lot of homework to do. Calm down!” Say, “I’m feeling pressured because I have a lot of homework to do. Once I finish my homework, I will do my chores. ”
Yelling and screaming is a sign of disrespect that will only create a wall between you and your parents. It is also hard to listen to someone who is yelling and screaming.
Say, for example, “I think that limiting my hang out time with my friends to one night during the weekend is unfair if I have all of my chores and homework done. If I finish all of my chores and homework for the week, may I go out with my friends more than once during the weekend?”
For example, instead of saying, “That’s a dumb idea,” say, “I disagree with what you are saying because you are not seeing my side of the story. Can I tell you my side before you make any decisions?”
Dedicate a Saturday or Sunday to helping your mom or dad clean the bathroom, fold the laundry, or clean your bedroom.
Write, for example, “I feel so lucky to have such loving parents. Thank you for always making me breakfast before I go to school. Thank you for taking the time to ask me how my day went, and for comforting me when I am sad. I know you guys work hard to make sure I have a happy and comfortable life. I love you. "
