5 Little Things You Can Do to Improve Your Relationship With Your Parents

Ah, parents.

They're without a doubt your biggest supporters and the people who care more about you than anyone in the world. But they can also be pretty difficult to get along with.

If you find that you and the 'rents struggle to get on the same page, keep scrolling for FIVE little things you can do to improve your relationship with your parents.

Think Before You React

Parents are often the people we interact with most, so we're likely more comfortable with our family members than anyone else. While that kind of special bond can create a strong relationship, it can also mean that you don't take their feelings into account as often as you do in relationships with friends or significant others. It becomes easier to blow up during arguments or to consistently say whatever is on your mind, without really thinking about how your words will make your parents feel.

Improving your relationship can start with changing your internal mindset and taking a moment to think before you react. Ask yourself if your words have the potential to hurt your parents, or if what you're going to say is really necessary. It may not stop every disagreement, but it can help you from starting unnecessary arguments that get in the way of a peaceful relationship.

(Freaky Friday via Casual Friday Productions)

 

Practice Appreciation

If you have a difficult relationship with your parents, it can be easy to always cast them in a negative light. Their rules and comments can breed all kinds of resentment, which in turn makes you forget all the positive things they do for you. Instead of focusing on the negative, try to practice appreciation and gratitude for what your parents have sacrificed to give you a good life.

You can practice appreciation internally by reflecting on how your parents have helped you and the many positive values they've instilled in you, or you can practice gratitude externally by continuously thanking them for the little things. Not only will your appreciation switch your negative thoughts about your parents to a more positive light, it can also allow both of you to express your thankfulness for each other and approach each other with love and gratitude instead of anger and resentment.

 

Consider Their Perspective

When it comes to your parents, it can be very hard to consider things from their point of view. After all, you're living completely separate lives in a completely different time, so understanding your parents' rules and regulations can be very challenging. However, it can still be beneficial to at least try to consider things from their point of view.

While you might not fully grasp their reasoning, you can gain a little insight into what they might be thinking. Plus, if they see that you're trying to consider things from their perspective, they may be more willing to look at your reasoning, as well.

(Riverdale via The CW)

 

Be Willing to Forgive

As a kid, it's really hard to look at your parents and see flawed people. However, as we grow older, it becomes more and more obvious that they're simply human beings, just like us, who are dealing with their own shortcomings and weaknesses.

Your parents are bound to mess up—it's just a part of life. However, if you want to have a good relationship with them, you have to be willing to forgive, even if they haven't asked for it. Accept that your parents are going to make mistakes and don't hold it against them, just as you wouldn't want them to hold your mistakes against you.

 

Don't Make It Personal

If you and your parents are experiencing an issue of any kind, the worst thing you can do is make is resort to personal attacks to make your point. Not only will this cause your parents to become defensive, it will also likely result in many hurtful comments that will stick with both of you for a long time. Focus on the issue in front of you, rather than your parents' character or any other grievances you may have been holding in. It will help you to work towards a solution, and it will keep you from saying anything you'll later regret.

 

Looking for more advice on how to deal with your parents? Click HERE for how to talk to your parents if you're overwhelmed by your busy schedule.