How To Understand Your Parents

Understanding your parents will give you many benefits.You can improve your relationship with your parents, learn more about them, and enjoy their company.Talking with your parents about their lives and opinions will help you understand them better.

Step 1: Ask your parents what their childhoods were like.

You might learn something interesting about your parents' experiences, because you weren't there for them.Knowing their experiences will help you understand them better.What was your childhood like?When you were in high school, what did your parents say about you?What advice would you give to yourself when you were young?Which family tradition do you love the most?

Step 2: Ask them their opinion.

You can get a better idea of how your parents view the world by exploring their beliefs and opinions.If you are watching the news with someone, try to get their opinion on some of the stories.Find out their opinions on current events.Ask your friends what they think about something.There's a new rule at school that says girls' skirts have to go past their knees.What do you think about it?Don't stop asking them why.Understanding why your parents take a certain position can help you understand how they see the world.

Step 3: Things can be shared with them.

Your parents will love hearing about the small things in your life, like what you ate for lunch or the funny thing your friend said to you.You will understand them better if they start to share the same type of information.You will begin to understand your parents when you communicate with them more often."The funniest thing happened to me today and I want to tell you about it," you could say."Dad, I'm so glad you're home!"I taught our dog a new trick that I want to show you.

Step 4: Ask for their help.

Your parents would love to help with your problems, from your relationship troubles to what you are wearing to the office Christmas party.You need to tell your parents that you want advice.Getting your parents' perspective on one of your problems will help you understand their point of view more.Asking about career advice is a good idea.How did you decide what to do with your career?I'm lost.I feel like my friend Annie is upset with me.What do you think I should do?

Step 5: Understand their stresses.

If your parents have bigger problems than you think, this could affect your relationship.Whether they are having trouble at work, are worried about something, or want to lose a bit of weight, you should ask your parents if anything has been on their mind recently.Hearing about these problems will help you understand your parents better.

Step 6: Ask people you know about your parents.

You can learn about your parents from a different point of view.Talk to your parents' friends, as well as your grandparents, siblings, and other family members.Ask them to tell you stories about your parents.You could ask, "Do you have any funny stories about Dad when he was little?"You could ask your mom's friend, "Sue, do you think my mom likes her job?"

Step 7: Spend time with your parents.

Quality time with your parents is different when you live in the same house as them.Ask your parents to do an activity with you instead of watching TV together.If you want to find something fun to do, go out to eat.Go bowling.You can play mini golf.There is a game on the board.Painting pottery is an arts and crafts project.

Step 8: Do what they like with them.

Whether it is playing the guitar, taking spin classes, or gardening in your backyard, your parents love to do these things.Spend some time with your parents.You can get to know them on another level if you take an interest in their passions.If you want to do things with your parents, here are a few examples.

Step 9: It's a good idea to spend a lot of time with them.

Sometimes the smaller moments, like going to the grocery store with your dad or helping your mom water the plants, will help you understand more about what your parents' day-to-day lives are like.You can do a few things with your parents.

Step 10: Empathize with your parents.

It is rewarding to gain a deeper understanding of other people because it is a hard skill to learn.Listen to what your parents are saying.Think about what they are feeling and put yourself in their shoes.Ask questions.You can let your parents know that you are listening by being more engaged in the conversation.Make yourself vulnerable.Share your own experiences with your parents.Go ahead and open up to them.

Step 11: The PEN method can be used to talk to your parents.

The PEN method is good for having difficult conversations with your parents.You should pause if you feel upset with your parents.Don't say anything you will regret later.You should sympathize with your parents.What would you think and feel if you were in their shoes?Speak to your parents about your needs.You have your own needs that you must express, but you want to understand their perspectives.If you're having a difficult conversation, calmly communicate it to your parents.It's important for me to socialize and go out with my friends when I stay out late.

Step 12: Think about how you can get along with your parents.

If you want to improve your relationship, focus on what you can do.Is it possible to help with the dishes or call more?Brainstorm ways to get along with your parents.You could offer to cook dinner for your parents, or plan a hiking day with them.Take care of everything.Do them a favor around the house by helping with the housework.If the family dog needs walking, ask if the fence needs painting.