Repair A Troubled Relationship With Your Parents

Many of us come out on this side of adulthood with a troubled relationship with our parents.  It may be our fault or it may lie on our parents shoulders.  One thing is certain, though; when you have a troubled relationship with your parents it impacts your whole life.  It can carry over into your self-esteem, your job and your relationship with your own children.  Isn’t it time to repair the relationship and move on with your life?

We think it can’t be done and sometimes that is correct but if we try, sometimes we will be surprised by how a relationship can be repaired.

The first step is setting up a time and place to talk with your parents.  This is a time when it is best to talk to them alone.  As much as you love your spouse this is about the relationship between you and them.

When the day comes to meet with them, make a conscious effort to be open-minded and have an understanding heart.  Apologize for any part of the relationship that is your fault without expecting any apology back.  Tell your parents that you love them and how much they mean to you.

Be willing to listen when they speak.  Listening is actually more difficult than talking.  Don’t interrupt and hear them out when they give you their thoughts.  Accept their thoughts without judging them.

Tell them what you would like out of a future relationship with them.  Express their importance to you and how you need them in your life for support and guidance.

At the end of the conversation, whatever the outcome, you can go forward knowing that you have done your part to repair the relationship.  Hopefully the relationship will have a more positive outlook but even if that is not the case, you can go and live your life without any strings of this relationship holding you back.