Give your parents your undivided attention. You are demonstrating to your parents that you’re open to communicating with them and you respect what they have to say. Don’t try to talk over your parents while they are talking. This is a sure sign that you’re more interested in talking rather than listening. Don’t be rude by talking back to your parents or by interrupting them with rude remarks. Making rude comments creates tension and things can quickly escalate. Avoid pouting, whining, throwing a tantrum, or making gestures and faces to indicate your irritation with your parents. Don’t ignore your parents when they are talking to you or asking you to do something. By ignoring your parents, you’re showing them that what they have to say doesn’t really matter, which may cause them to become agitated and upset.
Make sure that you do your chores. It’s best if your parents don’t have to keep asking you to do your chores. If you know what you have to do, whether it’s daily or weekly, make sure that you get it done. Don’t be lazy. One of the best things that you can do for your parents is to be helpful. Not only is it important to do your personal chores, but you can offer additional help with things like yardwork, putting the groceries away, preparing meals, doing the laundry, walking the dog, and washing the car.
Be patient throughout your conversation with your parents. Avoid raising your voice by calmly stating your point of view. Allow your parents an opportunity to share their point of view. This doesn’t mean you can’t ask questions! If you don’t understand what they’re asking you to do—or why they’re even asking in the first place—respectfully ask for more info.
Avoid screaming and yelling at your parents, even if you feel like they don’t hear you. Don’t make demands to your parents. Remember they are not obligated to do what you want them to do. The slang that you use when you address your friends is not the same language you should use when you address your parents. So, terms like “dude” or “chick” and “girlie” should not be used with your parents. Whenever you’re ending a phone call with your parents, make sure that you say “goodbye. ” Never just hang up without saying anything.
Determining what you want to achieve from the conversation can help you stay focused on what’s important. [3] X Research source Maybe you are unclear about your parents expectations of you. Don’t be afraid to ask them, and be willing to listen without interrupting. If you simply need to tell them about something that’s bothering you, and you don’t necessarily want their advice, make sure that you communicate that in the beginning. When your parents notice that something is bothering and they ask you, be honest and tell them exactly what’s wrong. Don’t deny it; it will only fester inside of you.
You should never give your parents the silent treatment, even when you’re upset. When you are entertaining friends at your house, you will need to make sure that your friends also acknowledge your parents by formally greeting them. If you’re out with your parents in public, don’t pretend like you’re not with them because you find them embarrassing.
You’ll want to avoid taking your parents for granted. Always say “thank you” whenever your parents give you something, share something with you, or do something for you. Let your parents know that you appreciate any sacrifices that they have made for you. From time to time, you should let your parents know that you deeply value the lessons they’ve taught you.
You should not question their decisions or underestimate their ability to decide what’s best for you. Don’t challenge their authority. Never try to manipulate them into giving you what you want. If you ever want to state your case after being told “no,” try writing it out in a letter. It’s a lot easier to process how you feel and explain what you want when you write it down.
Study for all of your quizzes, tests, and exams. Don’t be ashamed to let your parents know if you’re struggling with school work and need a tutor. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your assignments before the due date. Be an example of a well-behaved student, and don’t allow peer pressure to steer you in the direction of risky behavior.
If you tell your parents that you are going to do something, make sure that you do it. Be honest about where you’re going, what you will be doing, and who you are with. Take responsibility for your actions. You are not perfect, and you will make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to apologize when you do something wrong that disappoints your parents. Make sure that you take good care of the things that your parents give you or allow you to use. For example, if they buy you a car or loan you their car, don’t trash it.
Do something to surprise them. Make them a meal, do a chore they generally have to do, or do something else that they wouldn’t expect. Write them a brief love note, send a thoughtful text message, or give them a touching greeting card on an ordinary day. Arrange to spend some quality time with them. [6] X Research source If they are feeling “under the weather” offer to help nurse them back to health.
Allow them to make mistakes. Avoid judging them. Make sure that you forgive them. Encourage them every opportunity that you get.
Surprise them with a kiss goodnight. Give them a warm hug when they least expect it. Wrap your arm around your father. Hold your mother’s hand as she’s walking.
Be willing to be your own individual without be ashamed of any quirks and unique interests. Be a leader instead of follower. Don’t ignore your conscience or your instinct, even if it goes against what’s popular or the norm. If you feel different from everybody else, don’t be afraid to embrace it and express it.
Give yourself a pat on the back when you achieve a personal goal. Ignore negativity and discouraging words that minimize who you are and what you’ve accomplished. Reward yourself by treating yourself to something special when you overcome an obstacle.
Write down the things that you want to do and achieve, then post it on your mirror or bedroom door. Try. Read the poem “It’s Better To Try And Fail Than Never To Try At All. ”
Decide which expectations you can meet and which ones you can’t. [7] X Research source Avoid harboring feelings of guilt or shame when you fell to meet an expectation. Always forgive yourself. Always know that you’re good enough.
