5 Strategies for Dealing With Difficult Parents
It could be your biological parent, or perhaps toxic in-laws, but the effect they have on you is the same: hurt, confusion, disappointment, anger and desire to withdraw.
This article will discuss how to deal with difficult parents, and when to let go.
1. Put Things in Perspective
“The most loving parents and relatives commit murder with smiles on their faces. They force us to destroy the person we really are: a subtle kind of murder.” ― Jim Morrison
Even the most loving parents damage their children with the best intentions - to protect them, to guide them, to better them. In most cases, by imprinting their own fears and prejudices on them.
The point is, parents are just people. People with flaws, struggles and impaired judgement. People with emotional or intellectual handicaps. People with personal blockages and limitations regardless of their parental role. People who make mistakes and who are terrified of being judged by their children.
Learn to see your difficult parent as just human. Learn to see their emotional immaturity as a type of disability.
2. Keep Expectations Low
In many ways the effect a difficult parent has on us is fueled by our feelings of injustice (being wronged) and the belief that things could be different, or should be different. In other words, our expectations dictate how we feel.
You need to let go of your expectations and accept your parent(s) for who they are. You can't expect someone with, say, a narcissistic personality disorder to act with empathy and kindness. No more than you can expect a scorpion not to sting.
Difficult parents are waaaaay easier to deal with when you accept that they won't change. So don't expect of them more than they are capable of, and you won't be disappointed or hurt.
3. Don't Fall Into the Guilt Trap
Difficult parents love making you feel like you've hurt them. Or, in a different scenario, you're a bad person if you don't do something they ask.
Don't fall for it. If they're setting a guilt trap, calmly tell them that you don't appreciate being emotionally manipulated, and you won't tolerate it anymore. Manipulators don't like being called out on their dirty tricks.
If they continue to harass you, reiterate that you can't do what they're asking you to do this time, and you need them to respect that. The trick is agreeing with everything they're saying (how can they argue when you agree with them?) and re-stating your decision over and over again.
Do you have a difficult parent you wish you could ship off to Antarctica?
4. Be Direct and Assertive When Confronting a Difficult Parent
When confronting a difficult parent, be direct and calm without expecting a specific response. That's the part you can't control.
The part that is up to you is letting your thoughts and feelings known, which is empowering.
Stick to the facts and use "I" statements (i.e., "I feel like my words don't matter to you when you constantly interrupt me" or "I feel scared and misunderstood when you yell at me").
Remember that manipulative parents are not known for their empathy. They will try to confuse you, go on the offensive, or assume the role of a victim.
Don't let them bully you into submission by invoking guilt or pity. State your case in a calm and polite manner, and stay cool regardless of their response. Your goal is to be honest about your feelings, and to make it clear that you won't tolerate certain behaviors.
5. Consider Forgoing the Relationship That's Too Harmful
“An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.” ― Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice"
A parent isn't someone you can easily cut out of your life. But if all else fails and your difficult parent continues to cause you psychological harm, consider forgoing a relationship altogether, at least for the foreseeable future.
In some cases it's the only logical recourse. A parent who is fundamentally incapable of showing love and support, who is unable to see the error of their ways after numerous attempts to communicate how their behavior or words affect you, someone who is consistently abusive, demeaning or critical - that parent is a destructive force that will continue to tear you down until you put a stop to it.
It's not an easy feat - the parent-child bond is hard-wired into our brains, which means children get attached to even the most awful parents. But consider the cost of having that toxic relationship in your life - stress, anxiety, depression, internalized feelings of inadequacy, failed personal relationships, not to mention thousands of dollars worth of therapy.
Maybe one day they will change. Right after Jesus descends unto Earth in a golden chariot, riding a couple of unicorns. Anything's possible. But until then, consider all options, including cutting them loose.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Questions & Answers
My mother is overbearing and hypercritical of my life. She alienated my friends and restricts my life. How can I cope?
Her hypercriticism is a reflection of who she is, not who you are. Try to remember that whenever you feel hurt by something she says. Before you know it, you’ll be old enough to live your life however you want.
Helpful 124You say, "If they're setting a guilt trap, calmly tell them that you don't appreciate being emotionally manipulated, and you won't tolerate it anymore." I would like to know how that goes over, especially if they continue the guilt with "I guess I'm just a bad or horrible mother"?
Good one! Stay the course, don’t take the bait. Calmly answer, “I didn’t say that. All I’m saying is that I don’t appreciate being emotionally manipulated.” The key is staying calm no matter what and repeating your boundary like a mantra until they have nothing more to say.
Helpful 91I am in high school, and I am not confident at all in what I do. Since childhood, I have always been criticized by my parents for being dumb. This made me more and more insecure and always makes me question myself before any action, even before speaking due to fear of being judged. This still continues and day by day I feel more useless and fear my future. And now i have become hopeless and stopped trying to put efforts. I feel like dying. What should I do?
High school is a difficult time for most people. This is not an indication of how the rest of your life is going to be at all. Don't lose hope! It's gonna get better. In the meantime, maybe talk to your school counselor about your feelings. Know that when someone calls you dumb, it's a reflection of how they feel about themselves deep down. It isn't about you. Hang in there!
Helpful 71How would you deal with a father that wants to choose what you are going to do in life? I want to be a fashion designer and go to NYU, but he wants me to be a pro golfer and attend a golf program. What should I do?
I can relate. Really examine yourself and your goals. If fashion design is your passion and you can’t imagine doing anything else, show it to your father, prove it to him. He may be a hard ass, but I bet he wants you to be happy.
Helpful 32I only have my mom and loved her until, when I was either twelve or thirteen, she sat me down and told me that none of my family were interested in a relationship after I left for University. Since then her manner with me has remained the same, but she has gotten EXTREMELY close with my boyfriend. What do I do? I know if I cut contact he will not understand and think I'm horrible. I don’t want to lose him, but I can’t keep this up with her.
"I don't want to lose him." There is a problematic connotation to that statement. Listen: do not hold on to a guy. The guy is supposed to hold on to you and want to make you happy. If something bothers you, if you believe that the relationship between him and your mother is inappropriate, bring it up. Talk to him. If he cares anything about you, he'll be sensitive to your needs. As for your mom...whether or not this is intentional, it's just not OK.
Helpful 29
© 2016 Lana Adler
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Comments
Interesting article. Helpful. Thanks.
Hello. I'm 20 and have a baby girl. Every time I can't give my mother what she wants esp. money, she always yell at us. When she's in the bad mood or whenever we are not in good terms she always act that bad towards me and my baby. How can I handle her? I'm kinda tired. She always act that she's the victim, I'm already a mother too and I also have a responsibility to my daughter. I think she's putting me down by not supporting and motivating me just like other mothers. Hope you can share some advice. Really need one
This article really sums up everything I am struggling with, it is reassuring that there is someone out there that can relate.
My Husband and I recently bought our first house, how exciting!? The only problem is, we are financially looking after his Grandma, she only receives a social grant/pension from the government so she cannot afford to look after herself. She has alienated herself with the only other family she has, so there is literally no one that can help carry the burden. Before we bought the house we had to make a difficult decision to let her come and stay with us as we could not afford to pay for her rent and our bond at the same time. We knew what kind of person she is and that we will have a lot of arguments, so this was not unexpected. But unfortunately if seems as if she is picking fights every 2-3 weeks out of thin air without any real foundation, she is very manipulative and spiteful. My husband and she will have words (because he will not allow her to say and do thing he does not agree with) but afterwards I will be the one that gets the attitude for weeks after the incident even though I was not even there or part of the altercation. I feel as if she resents me because I took her Grandson's attention away from her and because she is not in control of the house as I am the wife, mother and owner of the house.
She will play the guilt game exactly as described above and she will talk bad about me and my family to my husband (total untrue things). My husband knows the things she is saying is not true and he reassures me that he knows.
I am just afraid that she is instigating these fights on purpose to get attention, especially from my husband as she likes to be in control. I am not a fighter at all, I grew up in a peaceful home and I have a peaceful marriage so this is extremely difficult for me to adjust. She is sucking out all the joy of my new experiences - like my first home and my first puppy ext. - In the beginning she was upset that we didn't give her any chores to do as she is bored and wants something to do, so I let her do a few things but also did the majority myself, a few weeks later she just stops doing the chores with no warning and then I hear from my husband she says she has to do everything and that my house is a pigsty (which it has never been as I am kind of a neat freak - Its just the dust I cannot control as we did not yet have a lot of rain and everything is still dry and dusty) We got a new puppy, and I noticed she is not attempting to potty train it, and with her last fight she plainly indicated she leaves the puppy to do his business wherever he like out of spite because she feels we are expecting her to look after and clean up after the puppy (as we are not giving her a choice)
She victimizes herself even though we went out of our way to let her feel welcome and wanted, It bothers me that she is constantly badmouthing me to my husband about things which is not true or she will take something simple and make a huge fuss about it, My husband gets cranky if she is acting out and then I get cranky when he is upset and I do not want her to have a negative impact on my marriage. She also tries to intervene with our parenting and does not consider my little one when she uses swear words (we do not use bad words or language in our home)
We cannot afford to put her in a home or to build a small flat on our premises for her. So I do not know how to cope with this as she is not someone you can sit and have a conversation with, she will rip you apart if you try to reprimand her of tell her she is doing something that you don't like, and because I am not a fighter I do not speak to her at all, If need be I will communicate what ever issue in a manner I see fit to avoid an altercation and also to try to keep my husband out of it as it is unfair for him to be the middle man between two women that cant get along, but she does not give it a though or she just doesn't care what her actions does to her grandson and his household/marriage.
I'm sorry for blabbering all my problems, but any advise will be appreciated because my sanity can only take so much..
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My parents abuse me physically and mentally. They hate me for whatever I do. I just want to die
- AUTHOR
Suzanne,
if you feel that your mother's presence in your life is too toxic to be tolerated, don't do anything. Just leave her be. After all, her refusal to communicate is just another manipulation. However, if you want your mom to be in your life despite her many flaws, try talking to her face to face. The choice is yours.
Sincerely,
Lana
I am an only child and have had all communication cut off between be and my parents. As of this writing I have only spoken briefly to my father for 5 minutes. My mother has always been controlling. She does have mental issues but in recent years has been filled with anger, manipulation, and verbal abuse. Mostly she just plain has been using my husband and I. I did three interventions with my father who suffered from dementia. After getting him help this last time we call and she refused to answer. Is there anything I should do at this point.
- AUTHOR
Hi Lausmi,
you did the right thing by telling your parents about the abuse. However, you never know how people are gonna take this kind of information. I would say for parents it would be normal to feel guilt about it, and to question whether they were good parents, protected you enough etc. They might deal with it in their own way though. Perhaps, by lashing out, like your mom. Or by going into denial, like your dad.
We can't control how people feel or how they react to things we do or say. We can only be as authentic as we can be to our own self. You are doing that by embracing this difficult truth and sharing it with your parents, even if they're not equipped to receive it.
Just give it time. Let them deal with it on their own terms. And when they're ready to talk about it, be there.
Wishing you love, light and healing!
Sincerely,
Lana
Hi, a bit of a long rant coming!! I'm 38 and about 18 months ago i came forward about child abuse from 27 years ago. I have kept this to myself until then when i spoke with my husband. I decided to let my parents know as well and did this by leaving a letter with then. In the time that has followed they havent talked to me at all about this, in emails all they wanted to know was if I was recieving professional help and was it because they werent there for me when I was growing up!
They both worked full time throughout my childhood, I was provided for in the sense of food, clothes etc but never felt emotionally cared for. I approached both my parents when they recently visited and asked if they wanted to talk about my letter and my dad looked me in the eye and said 'he'd never given it another thought' I was devestated! Since then phone calls are hard work and i resent them, how do I have a relationship at all with them when things are like this, it was hard before as if my mum was in a bad mood or I wasnt doi g exactly what she wanted she would hang up and not call for weeks/months until I had rung her to apologise! This is exhausting me and my husband! Any help or advice greatly appreciated!!
My parents are all ways critising me and telling me what to do and yelling and today I got home and I got in trouble at school this rarely happens and my mum didn’t want to listen to anything I wanted say or even let me disguise or clam the situation then she said stuff about me hating her and I don’t well I do know because she always does this makes a crazy situation out of nothing. My mother also get mad over everything, and always put her child abuse and hard childhood on to me. I can’t stand it I’ve practiced my conflict resolution and everything I don’t yell, sometimes I interupt because I want to explain but she is always mad and stays mad.
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- AUTHOR
This is a difficult situation. I can very much relate, my dad is the same way. Eventually I had to leave and move to another country because he was just impossible. Now we talk on the phone or FaceTime sometimes, with my mom always being there.
My point is, if your dad really is a narcissist, a close relationship with him isn't possible, and isn't advisable. If he's paying for your college, let him pay but keep to yourself, and try not to get into any altercations with him. It's just pointless. And one day soon you'll be ready to live your life on your own terms.
Sincerely,
Lana
My dad is full of anger and has no control over it. He had a rough childhood and I understand it. My mom and I have always been there for him. Yet, he fights with her over the smallest of things and doesn't let go for weeks. He shouts a lot and even on me when I try to put my point across. He never lets anyone do what they want to. There is no freedom at home. Mom and I call it North Korea jokingly.
But jokes apart, I don't live in the US. I will be attending college in US this fall and dad is paying for it. He might refuse to pay if I speak. What should I do?
And yes, he is a narcissist. It's his way or the highway at home.
my parents r such a kind of parents who always thought that elders can't be wrong what should I have to do when my mom say anything to dad about me my dad never ask me ki whether it's true or false he directly start scolding me starting from morning to night they used to scold me and hurt me like hell what I have to do now they never ever listen to me am a class 12 student and now am suffering from some anxiety and stress-related diseases coz my parents always used to create pressure on me suggest me anything please
if your dad gets angry and starts yelling or hitting me and say don't talk smart cause it makes me sound dumb them.
- AUTHOR
Hi Daphne,
it's really hurtful when someone refuses to hear you, or denies you the right to even have feelings. I can't tell you what to do. All I can say is...you are a lot more mature than I was at your age. The fact that you're attempting communication with your stepdad in such a mature, calm manner is impressive. You deserve better treatment than this. You are such a bright young woman! Please don't take your stepdad's behavior to heart. It's a reflection on him, not on you. And whatever you're feeling, it's legitimate, valid and genuine.
Sincerely,
Lana
My stepdad is really mean to me. He's constantly criticizing me, and he always thinks that I'm back talking him. He and my mom have two kids together, so I'm really trying to set a good example for them, but I'm not sure what else I can do. I've tried just being calm, but he says that I'm being sarcastic. I've tried having a conversation with him while passing a stuffed animal back and forth so we can both hear each other, but it only works for a minute before I say something he doesn't like, like "It makes me angry when..." And then he'll yell back saying that I'm not allowed to be angry. I'm just so tired of it, and I'm ready to call up my dad in Arizona to see if I could live with him instead. The only thing holding me back now is my relationships with people here. Please tell me what I should do. Thank you, Daphne
My father is an 85 year old widower. Mum died 12 years ago. I am an only child aged 60. My dad’s behaviour and personality would tax a team of the best psychiatrists. He has OCD and General Anxiety Disorder. His default mode of operation is ‘victim’ - any suggestions as to how he might solve problems or prove his quality of life are dismissed - I think he’s what might be described as ‘Happy Only When Miserable’ and he’s always miserable, truly. Whenever I visit I’m met with a tirade of whining about the weather, ‘the world these days’, his landlord, his ailments - it’s constant, full on ‘woe is me’. He has no resilience and the simplest of problems send him into a depressive episode. He’s unable to make ANY decision, from the simplest, mundane things - and is constantly asking me to make them for him. Whenever I see him or he visits, a very dark cloud descends and it’s got to the point where I don’t want to spend any time with him - it’s so enjoyable - he’s become a nasty, bitter, miserable and insufferable person. I truly wouldn’t miss him if I never saw him again. Phew - glad to get that off my chest!
My gf has it really difficult with her parents. They are unreasonable (constantly preventing her from going to places that she has responsibilities to, for no apparent reason), constantly demean her, and although there are good days, most of the time it just seems they could not care less about her well-being.
I used to think the problem was her so I would try to get her to be more patient and respectful and loving, but no they really are just mean sometimes and the way it is I have to wonder if they really are so bad to intentionally do that or they just honestly don't know how unreasonable a lot of their actions are.
She badly wants to leave, and I don't blame her. But she's only 20 and can't support herself alone as yet. I don't know how else to encourage her.
My parents are divorced and I have three other siblings. Since I’m on the half who still don’t have custody of a parent my parents are constantly saying things about how I should stay with either of them. They never get along and always seem to be threatening each other to go to court. And I’m always stuck in the crossfire, my siblings in custody of my dad seem to want me to join them but I don’t know what to do! My little brother seems to not care right now but I’m scared. My mom is nice and kind but she’s always short tempered and picks fights easily, and my dad seems to have to lecture me or put pressure on me everyday so I can pick someone to stay with or have full custody of me. I don’t know how to deal with this, and I’m worried if what I’ll do is th wrong decision. I love both of them but I’m so so worried I’ll do something wrong. Why should I do?
My mum everyday is so unhappy makes me feel guilty she is in independant living we tried to help her to live nearer to us and hung up the phone one day we talk to her regularly but she is so bitter
- AUTHOR
Dear Hannah,
I sympathize with you. I know what it's like to have an unresponsive parent who thinks they're always right. It's a struggle, especially when you're so young and you have to live under their roof and do what they say.
I know it may not be any different from you trying to talk to your mom, but have you tried writing her a letter? Telling her exactly what you told me? Maybe it's something worth trying.
Hang in there!
Dear Lana,
I feel like my mum punishes and tells me off for things that she thinks are wrong. I try to explain them to her but she never hears me out. I want to have a good relationship with her but find it so hard. She just always thinks that she knows it better and starts yelling at me, that's when I start to cry. Then she tells me off for crying and says that it doesn't help.
my family members quarrel alot ,and fights are on daily basis can someone tell me how will i stay with them without getting mentally affected by the daily quarrels?
- AUTHOR
Hi Evan,
I know it's hard and it seems like an injustice. But while you're living with your dad and he takes care of you, you have to respect his wishes, i.e. not having dogs.
It won't last forever. You'll grow up, start living on your own and make your own decisions. You can have dogs, cats or even children some day...
Perhaps you guys need to communicate better. For example, what are his expectations of you (and visa versa) and how to best split chores with your younger brother.
Cheer up! You have your whole life ahead of you, and it's going to be wonderful.
Sincerely,
Lana
I live in rotten Australia but am due to visit Canada in 27 sleeps. Unfortunately I can't always tell what my dad wants. He groaned today only because neither me nor my younger brother cooked dinner. To be fair, I cooked lunch. I ignored him so in your opinion did I do the right thing? I'm a Christian so can you please pray I won't go insane?
I made a solemn promise to God when I was younger never to have children. I want dogs but my dad won't allow it - he's really a tyrant.
How am I supposed to cope with this injustice?
- AUTHOR
Dear Feria,
it sounds like you're dealing with a difficult family situation. I don't know the right path for you. But I do know that physical violence towards women, or anyone, is unacceptable. If that's what you're dealing with, I encourage you to seek protection from the appropriate authorities.
Sincerely,
Lana
My dear doctor Iam 26 years girl Iam very emotional loving pure heart and sencier to everyone from my childhood but beside this my whole family hate me and not sencier with me in every moment of life when they talk they say just lie and betray me all over the time and treat me very very harshly imean even time they fight with me and slap me and gave punches me like punch bag in the case of this fight my face become multi color becoz of they all hit me like a punch bag my dear doctor I can live with this domestic violence but my parents and my whole family want to destroy me even my future this which I can't except show me the right path please
- AUTHOR
Sandy,
choose the time when your parents are calm and talk to them about how you feel when they yell at you when you cry, or yell at all. Does it make you feel frightened, alone, confused, mistreated, rejected, even more upset? Be honest. Start a conversation. Perhaps, your parents will welcome an opportunity to have a heart-to-heart with you and will be willing to change their behavior. Good luck!
I am going through very minor exams, and I forgot to take my notes home the night before the exam. My mother is extremely angry at me, and I asked her nicely to leave. She left the room, then my father walked in. He started yelling at me for not listening. I started crying and he got even more upset. Every time I cry, my parents yell at me for crying. What do I do??? Help please.
i'm thankful that there are similar people like me.
I am a boy. After finishing high school, I wanted to join med school but was unable to do so because I did not get enough time to prepare.
So I took a year leave to prepare for med. The time for exams came and still i did not have enough time to prepare so i failed again.
i actually failed because of my overly-involved family members(the people i have to live with).
they were the problem all along. my parents became overly-ambitious about my life .so they watched me when i studied because they
thought that i will masturbate myself to death.whatever. next problem was my big brother. he used to beat me up when i was a kid but this
time he did hilarious things-when i did maths he blasted my head with eggs, punched my laptop screen and broke it, locked me in a room etc.
but the most frequent thing he used to do is-talk my ears to sleep(my brother was suffering from depression at that time). i had to
listen to him forcibly
even when i did not want to.continuously
for 2 to 6 hours daily.
now i realise where all my time went.as a result i stopped studying and started watching youtube tom foolery and movies.
and when my parents asked me, "what i was doing?" i answered-watching movies.
funny part is they replied-"okay.u should take some rest after studying so much."
now when i tell my parents that they broke me they reply,"no one can break anyone, except themselves"
so my parents are overinvolved when not required and not-involved when required(they could've controlled my brother atleast)
best part is that even now (i am writing this at 3:00 in the morning when all are sleeping) my parents have not changed.my brother is still depressed
(not that i care cuz i blame big bro for all this )
for the last 3 years i am bearing this non-sense, this torture, this rubbish treatment.
even right now im 19 year old but still i sat down to study and my parents started visiting me and same old love lauv lauu luuu.
i dont want to live a life like this cuz i know it will only get worse over time.
i'm too lazy to become suicidal.
i dont have anywhere else to go other than my parent's house.
youtube told me to figure out my real enemies and stay away from them.
but i'm behind enemy lines.
- AUTHOR
Emma, these are great tips! I totally agree with everything you said. In fact, this is great advice for dealing with any difficult person, not just parents. Thanks!
This is a really helpful article!
Realising that you are actually fine without your parents approval is a massive help, I wish others in this comment section the best! What's helped me most with my dad is:
1) He wont change, dont try to change him.
2) Talk light heartedly when possible
3) Be firm and calm and respectful when calling him out on being rude, being racist, being cruel, making fun of me etc...
4) Expect him to then sulk that he's been called out, but yes, stand firm. Like a child, he eventually feels bad and apologises.
5) Realise that interacting with a difficult dad is emotional draining. I feel exhausted when dealing with dad, so when im feeling weak, i have to not see him for my own good.
Good luck everyone! Crappy parents united!!
My father has lied to me almost constantly. I've given him many opportunities to have a healthy relationship with me but I'm afraid if I give him to many he'll hurt me in the long run. Should I cut him out of my life and close that door or should I keep trying.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Alfred! I’ll be looking forward to more of your comments.
You're an intelligent woman and you really know your onions in this topic, very impressive. I like how I can relate to all the points you enumerated. I'll be looking for more.
My dad is in Parliament
Lana. You went and posted my comment. Never mind.
I must admit, i never read you're replies to the 14 year old, to bryan and others, but it does show how we can all fall into the habit of "pre-judging" other's wrongly based on just one thing that "stood out to us" "while missing all the rest of the good things they say" If that's the definition of Narcissistic, then i think all of us is guilty of that to some degree, but the real danger is when people don't know they are doing it, and don't care to change either. So fot that. "I make a "real genuine Apology"
Lana. "No need to reply or post this" The only true reality in life is the very existence God who gives guidance and laws on dealing with imperfect parents while honouring them at the same time.
Not into debates or trying to prove anyone right or wrong, but i do know with all the degrees and head knowledge people have, they still cannot work out the purpose and meaning to life.
Concidering jesus change our very calendar, 2018 years since his birth you can bet you're life he will decend/return again but not riding on unicorns.
I do like the first parts of you're article, the later contradicted the first, but as i said, not into debates or trying to prove anybody wrong, but i will always defend Jesus and God when anyone makes any cynical remarks about them. If you need to see miracles to have faith, you will never see the creator behind all things.
One question i used to ask myself in the past was, how is it that people can be "so clever" able to work anything out, yet be so stupid at the same time ?
The answer was always a simple one, nothing to do with knowledge but everything to do with the fugurative heart, A deceitful one full of faulse reasonings.
- AUTHOR
Bryan,
I can tell from your comment that you’re a smart capable man. You write with such ease and eloquence. And I totally relate to your fears about Trump! That’s just logical. (And the dreams of teeth falling out is about feeling powerless, the lack of control in one’s life.)
I think a lot of people have attachments to stuffed animals they had as children. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s especially prevalent in people with autism. Your parents might not feel that it’s age-appropriate, but if it serves a purpose of making you feel safe, it is appropriate for *you*.
There’s a lot of information about this online. Perhaps your parents would be interested in reading this article (http://www.autismafter16.com/article/04-22-2014/fr... where a mom talks about her 21-year old autistic son who’s still drawn to stuffed animals and Sesame Street characters. She says: “I’ve come to wonder if wanting him to be more age-appropriate says more about our comfort level than about Mickey’s development.” She also talks about helping him choose appropriate times to pursue his passions.
Let your parents know that although it may seem strange or inappropriate to them, it’s something that helps you cope with things that are frightening to you. Hopefully they will understand.
Good luck, and thank you so much for reading and sharing this with me!
Lana
- AUTHOR
Natt,
You must be in so much pain to be considering suicide. You need to talk to someone about this. There is a suicide prevention text line available for people who need help. All you need to do is text CONNECT to 741741 and a trained crisis counselor will be there for you day and night.
Please don’t give up. Those feelings will pass, I promise you.
Hi Lana:
I want to thank you for your article. There is a lot of mental illness in my family and despite what my parents say, I do believe everyone in the family has been affected. Both of my grandfathers were alchoholics, my grandmothers were manipulative when we tried to care for them, my uncles are reclusive and my aunt is borderline.
I am a 23-year-old male who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism later in life. Now, as an adult, I am coping with fears that no one should have to deal with but everyone does. Like, what will the president do next and might it start a holocaust? Will I be forced to have unnecessary surgery the next time I see my doctor? Will my teeth fall out because I keep dreaming about it?
Anyway, I need a special stuffed animal, a woolly mammoth called Ellie, along with me when I leave home. I have gotten, with a great deal of effort and pleading, my parents to agree to letting me take her in the car when I go places. But recently I took her to the dentist, and they were very nice, even giving me a cloth bag with their logo to put her in, but my mom complained. This is a problem because I have a scary appointment with a urologist in September where I need to resolve something. I feel very strongly that I need to take Ellie there with me. I don't expect my parents to be reasonable on this, and my disability means I can't drive myself to the doctor at least for now. How should I deal with this? What I can't have is my parents manipulating me the day of the appointment when I'm getting out of the car by saying I'm making a scene, and risking giving in out of fear or embarassment. I guess I'm afraid to stand up because I'm afraid they'll punish me for my "rebellion" by saying I can no longer take Ellie anywhere, but I honestly feel, and friends have told me too, that my parents do not have the right to control me in this area at my age. Since you wrote this incredible article, can you give me some advice on how to communicate about this? Thank you.
What is best way to suicide? I hate my parents i wish i never was their kid can someone help me? I wanna to kill myselfie
- AUTHOR
Rochelle,
I’m sorry you have to go through all this. I know we all need and want a loving mother and it’s so devastating when you feel like you didn’t get that.
As a child (and a young adult) I felt that way about my father and I was so jealous of my girlfriends who had seemingly perfect, warm, close relationships with their dads. I’d literally cry watching a father pick up and kiss his daughter.
But I grew out of it...and you can too. The pain is real but it doesn’t have to shape your life. One day you’ll be a mother (if you choose to) and you’ll be AMAZING because you know what it’s like to have a difficult mom.
You are not alone. This world, although it can be sick and cruel, has plenty of love to go around. You just have to be open to receive it. And remember: “The sun is still shining behind the clouds” :)))
I'm 24 years old and my whole life I've had a bad relationship with my single mom. I love her so much but she has hurt me so much over the years over and over again. When will it stop? She hurts me, says sorry and I forgive...it's a cycle and she continues. I have no dad, he left her before I was born, I am the only child and my excluded small family absolutely doesn't give a shit about me so why live?
The latest thing I'm battling with to this day (10/07/2018) she has bewitched and used witchcraft on me.
I can't believe it, I just can't!!! My own mother, if she won't protect and/or love me, who will?
Live without a mother and father or die? I am not ready to be all alone especially in this sick world we live in.
Why did God create me? Are we created for pain and suffering? Where is the sunshine? I've been waiting for years. Dreams don't come true. I'll never have a good relationship with my mother and I'm jealous of those who do.
- AUTHOR
Hi Ruth,
I know this is hard. Especially when it’s your own mother. But staying away is probably best...You need to be around people who love, support and treat you kindly. So you’re lucky you have those people! And hopefully your dad will take more initiative in keeping in touch. I wish you luck my dear!
This has been the best advice I have read to help me cope with my mother. I have been in counselling for help with the situation which did help. My husband and friends are very supportive and understand how badly I am treated. My current way of coping is just to stay away which she ask me to do anywhow but I miss seeing my dad.
- AUTHOR
Dear Tom,
You have a great mind. You’ll use it for something good in the future.
And I give you a lot of credit for making an effort to learn to communicate to your family. It’s not easy. You might fight and yell, but that’s what real close families do. They let things out. Families that sweep things under the rug and pretend everything is fine are the distant and the unhappy ones.
So I think you’ll be just fine )) Keep doing what you’re doing and learning as you go. You’re waaay ahead of the game. Good luck!
Thanks for the response. I'll definably try you advice in the hope of an improvement but I would like to add that the family, despite the faults, is currently happily functional despite the feuds. The "sandwich" technique sounds a great idea and one that I'll use in the future. As for my experience in psychology, I think its just good memory, understanding and modern society's total disregard to exposure of knowledge (bad and good) to teens :).
Thanks for answering,
Tom
- AUTHOR
Dear 14 year old,
That’s quite a message, I hope I can answer in a way that makes sense to you.
*gulps coffee*
First, I cannot believe that a 14 year old wrote this message. You’re wise beyond your years my friend! Perhaps, you have a talent for psychology.
Second, I can understand your parents’ reaction, not in the sense that they’re right, but in the sense that it’s a normal human reaction to get defensive and to turn the blame back on the accuser (aka “you do it too”).
That’s why if you want your parents to hear you, you have to be careful not to trigger their defenses. And definitely try not to scream (as frustrated as you might feel). One technique you might have heard of is to “sandwich” a grievance between the compliments or something positive. For example, you might say: “Mom, dad, I love you both but it makes me very frustrated when you... . Maybe you could ... ? I appreciate everything you do for me.” Or smth along these lines.
Again, I’m not justifying your parents’ behavior. I think they should be acknowledging and validating your feelings instead of just deflecting. And if you sometimes exhibit the same behaviors, you probably modeled it after them. So in the end, it comes back to them.
Hopefully the situation improves. Hang in there ))))
To add to the issue in the first comment, whenever I do manage to point out reasonably and calmly some of the issues, I'm slapped in the face (not literally) with "the you do it too" excuse. The main issue being manipulation of blame in an argument. The second issue here is, I'm sure I probably do manipulate the blame as well and to back that up; from a little bit of research I found that apparently most people are unaware that they are manipulating at the time, and can genuinely hurt when confronted.
So, pretty much the issue here is the idea that it is a valid for them to say that I have no right to make any claims due to me being susceptible to some of them myself. I am in need of an opinion of someone who approaches this in a neutral mindset-being the best substitute for family theory, which, my mom admitted she would never turn to (saying "we don't have the money" or "its a waste")
Also, regardless of whether they have a right to say that, the big big issue here is...what am I to do?
I can accept why you would say "Hang in there!" but perhaps you remember just how long you have to "hang in" when your only 14.(This is pretty much saying I would like a bit more immediate solutions to the issue if you have any please)
Sorry if this has waffled a bit, I couldn't find a better way to present this if I tried.
Thanks so much if you reply.
I'm lost at what to do with my parents. Before I read the article I had already tried some of the suggestions above. The problem is, trying to confront them often results badly (partly due to my personality). I often get goaded and loose my cool-nothing awful like swearing a lot but there is shouting. Whenever this happens it normally results in some sort of punishment (lost phone, ban on internet, etc). I'm at a loss on what to do...
- AUTHOR
Dear Seraph,
I can't imagine what it's like to have a parent with mental health issues. But from your words, I get an idea.
It must be so devastating to have to parent your own parent, and to be forced to grow up so fast.
Here's the bottom line: your mom is not well. Clearly. And like you said, she's not taking her meds either. She needs help. It's a sickness in her that drinks and gambles and disregards her own kids. Perhaps if she could be magically cured even for a second, she'd see the pain she's causing and she'd be heartbroken.
But in her current state she is unable to see it. She's not even able to take care of herself.
I know you're angry at her. And you have every right to be. She sounds awful. And you may be angry at her for many years. Maybe your whole life. But is that what you want?
I know 14 is a very frustrating age. You might feel like you're trapped and everything's being decided for you. (I've been there. Most likely, most people have.) But it won't be this way forever. Hang in there!
Also, find something you like and keep doing it. Practice it, get better at it.
And find the positives in your life, things that you are grateful for. Think about them every night before going to bed.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I do hope things get better for you. And even if they don't for a while, you're strong enough to get through it. I believe it completely. Peace,
Lana
My mom guilt trips me by saying I don’t love her and I don’t do things for her, but she doesn’t do anything for me. She drank a shot every night while she was pregnant with my baby sisters, then she asks why the have allergies. She then proceeds to ask me for money to pay for gas and groceries, there’s a problem with that:A I’m 14 B that money is from my various relatives for my birthday. I’m also very aware that she never drinks her medications for her depression and mood. The only reason she is depressed is because she gambles away her money and listens to her friends while prioritizing her friends over her children. I am the Kim to my siblings, not her. My dad is trying to help the rest of the family but he can only do so much he said he was human divorce her if she goes and gambles again, but I don’t see the end in sight. My mom also has mood swings and threatens to kill herself just because she blames my dad for everything. I don’t know what to do, please help.
This is the first time tgat I have read something that really brngs relieve. Accept for Christ Jesus is comming, cause Israels enemies have surrounded them, The Sign that heres anyday now
- AUTHOR
Dear 11 year old,
I really feel for you. I also had a difficult dad. It's so hard to deal with this, especially at a young age.
I don't know the extent of it but it sounds like your dad might have anger issues. He gets mad easily, for what seems like a small thing, and you can't predict what's gonna set him off next time. Does this sound like your dad?
Even if it does, it's gonna blow over. Things are gonna get better, I promise you. They always do. You CAN handle this. You're capable and smart, and I know this because you found this article, didn't you? And you're asking for help. That takes courage. You have a lot going for you, just hang in there. And maybe try talking to your dad about this when he's calm. Or to your mom.
I guess what I'm saying is: you're not alone. Many people had difficult parents, including me. I survived, and I learned from the experience. So can you, I know it
My dad is horrible. he distroid my laptop because I did not say hi to his (then) gf. Now he is treating to cut off wifi because my friends cant have playdates. I try to handle this situation as best as a I can but I cant please help me :(
- AUTHOR
Hi Aby,
thank you for sharing. I know it's hurtful that your parents don't trust you. But the thing is, I don't think there are a lot of parents out there who really trust their 14-year old kids. You know?
It's just a weird age when you do weird shit (said from personal experience :/) and your parents are probably terrified that something might happen and they won't be able to protect you. So they go overboard. It doesn't feel good, for sure, but it doesn't mean that your life is over.
I do hope things get better for you. In fact, I know they will. But if you do feel depressed or have thoughts about suicide, I do encourage you to speak to someone about this. Perhaps, a school counselor. Hang in there! Or stop by and vent here anytime you want. Peace :)
My parents dont trust me, i hate it. Ive been really sad maybe depressed i really dont know what do do anymore i feel like life isnt worth living anymore if my parents are going to be fucking it up with the bullshit of not trusting me, they think everywhere i go im gonna go with a boy but i hate when they do that specialy my mom she thinks shes helping me but shes ruining my life and because of what she does i dont rly wanna keep living im 14 btw
- AUTHOR
Dear 12 year old,
I'm sorry you have to deal with an emotionally immature parent. That's tough for anybody, especially for someone as young as you are. However, to give advice, I'm gonna need to know more. In what way is your parent difficult? Are they abusive towards you? Are they responsive to your needs?
I need to deal with an incredibly emotionally immature parent and as I stated before I am only 12 and can't cut off ties. Any other advice?
- AUTHOR
Thank you, Lynda. Peace is a very difficult thing to achieve when dealing with a difficult parent, so you are way ahead of the game. Way to go! Peace :)
Thanks, for such a well thought out piece. I have reached a turning point an actually feel at peace.
Super helpful
- AUTHOR
Larry, you have my sympathies lol. I can barely handle the set I was born to, and the one I married into. You are a brave soul!
- AUTHOR
Thank you Mel! I'm sure motherhood will allow me to have more compassion for my parents, and all parents. But for now, I'll continue to judge them from a morally superior vantage point :) And I'm glad my profile gave you a chuckle, thanks for always showing your support with comments and kind words, you are a gem!
Effective tips. Now imagine being a teacher and dealing with lots of parents, lol.
Being a parent helps you accept, and sometimes even appreciate your parents. I'm not going to win any father of the year awards, and now I am more willing to tolerate the past sins of my own father. Fortunately, neither Mom or Dad try to manipulate me emotionally, so I can't comment on that. I'm just waiting for Jesus to ride in on the unicorns to make it all better.
I chuckled at your author's profile comment about your useless degrees. While I am certain they are not useless, the sure sign of an honest writer is when they poke fun at themselves. Great work, happy babying.
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