how to be with your parents作文

how to be with your parents作文

Whether we like it or not, our parents are responsible for us at least until we're out of high school. So rather than getting upset about that fact, maybe we should focus on ways to make our relationship better. The best way to do that, in my opinion, is to learn to really communicate with our parents.

So here is my three-step program to make it easier to communicate with your parents...

Step 1: Stop
When I find myself arguing with my mom or dad, I try to stop. That's right. I just try to hush up for a minute, because chances are good that I'm being defensive or confrontational -- and neither one of those is constructive.

If I can manage to stop myself from talking, I usually find that I can calm down quickly. I guess I'm usually acting out of emotion rather than logic or reason. But if I can quit arguing for a minute, it seems that my perspective changes and I start to realize that I'm being a bit childish. Emotionally I may still be upset, but logically I understand that yelling and fighting definitely doesn't make things better!

Step 2: Look
Once I've stopped arguing, I look my parents in the eye. You'd be amazed at how much easier it is to communicate with your parents when you're actually looking at them. Looking away doesn't do much of anything except give them the impression that I'm not listening or that I don't care.

Also, when I'm looking away it's easy to start thinking about what I'm going to say next, instead of concentrating on what my parents are saying to me. It's much easier to see things eye-to-eye when you're physically seeing eye-to-eye.

Step 3: Listen
Finally, I listen to what they're saying (or at least I try). Communication can't happen unless both sides hear -- and listen to -- each other. There is nothing wrong with my hearing, but that doesn't mean I always listen to the sounds that people are making. When I argue with my parents, I can physically hear what they're saying without mentally listening to it.

Whether I want to admit it or not, my mom and dad have been on this earth a lot longer than I have -- and their experience can actually help them give some pretty sound advice at times. But if that advice falls on proverbial "deaf ears", it's not going to make much of a difference.

That's why I try to stop, look, and listen instead of arguing with my parents. I don't always agree with them -- even after I've heard them out -- but I think it's safe to say that it truly has helped our relationship over the long run.

Tips for Better Communication with Your Parents
By Eve York, published Sep 27, 2008
Published Content: 4 Total Views: 263 Favorited By: 3 CPs
Contact Subscribe Add to Favorites Embed:
Rating: 3.5 of 512345 Font Font
close window1. Talking to your parents about everyday things is a way of building a strong connection.

2. Let your parents know you want their full attention by telling them you have something important you need to talk to them about instead of saying when they have time you would like to speak to them. And then pick a time that is best for both of you.

3. Use "I" statements instead of "you" so you don't sound argumentative.

4. Writing it down may make it easier to both find a way to express yourself and manage all points that need to be addressed.

5. Instead of calling your parent's ideas stupid tell them you do not agree. This helps to not escalate the issue.

6. Sometimes it is easier to talk to another adult that may not be so apt to form an opinion. Teachers, counselors, therapists, or even a doctor can help you with ideas, or just listen and most adults will keep your conversations confidential if you ask them to, unless they fear that your health or well-being may be in jeopardy.

7. Don't worry about getting him or her in trouble if your friend has a eating disorder, is suicidal or being abused waiting for the right time may mean things get too far out of hand.

8. If you feel you are in danger of physical or mental abuse talking to a responsible adult is very important.