Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, you and your parents are living in a different universe? It’s entirely possible that your parents don’t understand you. It’s a tale as old as time.
Some teens are lucky enough to have parents who are in touch and able to see things from their children’s points of view, but many parents don’t seem to be able to do that.
My Parents Don’t Understand Me
The first thing you should know is that it’s impossible for everyone to understand you. Your parents are human hence they can sometimes fail to understand you.
It’s normal to feel bad and upset about it, yes I totally get you. On the other hand though, try to find a new approach to the situation. If they’re refusing to respect your decision, try to make them believe that you’re capable of taking responsibility.
Go out, be useful around the house, be orderly and well organized. Don’t exchange words with them or reply to them when you’re upset. Instead, give them space.
Let them reflect on all that they’ve said to you and the manner in which they spoke to you. They’ll only have this reflection if you calmly walk away instead of exchanging words with them.
Give them time to gather themselves together and calm down. Don’t raise the issue for a few more days. Do your chores and your daily routine. Remove all traces that you’re mad at them.
Now, become more strategic and present your case to them once more. If they refuse to understand you , don’t push further. Leave it at that because the more you push, the more you’ll get hurt.
Instead, try talking to a close family friend or relative. Talk to someone your parents respect. This person will help you handle the case in a more experienced manner.
If it still doesn’t turn out good in the end, get yourself together and move on. Don’t let anything steal your happiness. Love and respect your parents but try to go forward on your own.
Why Don’t My Parents Understand Me?
I know you’re dying to know why your parents don’t seem to understand you. First it’s necessary to know how to react when they’re refusing to understand your point of view and that’s why the above section came first.
Now why don’t your parents understand or agree with you? Do they hate you?
Well, the simple answer is no.
Parents believe that they know everything about you since they were once teenagers themselves. They want to protect you by choosing what’s best for you (from their point of view). They see any option aside from that as a road to destruction.
That’s why they don’t want to entertain your opinion most times. They feel you’re not mature enough to make certain decisions for yourself and they see you as a rebellious or stubborn person when you argue with them.
Nevertheless they love you and that’s why they’re keeping their stand on their choice. What most parents fail to do is to communicate their true intentions. Parents don’t feel the need to explain themselves to their teen especially when the teen is exchanging words with them.
Now that’s where you come in. Initiate a heart to heart conversation with your parents and talk it out. Give a mature presentation of your choices and give them reasons they should agree with you.
While you’re at this, try to see things from their point of view, too. Note that regardless of the outcome, you’ll be fine.
Other Situations And When To Seek Help
It’s perfectly normal to get into disagreements with your parents, to feel like your parents don’t understand you, and even to argue sometimes.
But if things are getting into the area of physical or emotional abuse, it’s a good idea to look for someone you can talk to. Your school’s guidance counselor, another family member, or even talking to a friend is a good first step.
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