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How do I help explain to a parent that what I feel is valid after they reacted badly?

135 Answers
Last Updated: 03/19/2022 at 6:27am
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Top Rated Answers
AbbieSnow
March 15th, 2017 11:59am
You help them analyze their reaction and whether they reacted appropriately. They need to come to this conclusion on their own, but with your guidance.
Insightful3Unavailable
March 15th, 2017 9:27pm
Sometimes a parent may not take the child seriously, in such case, the best what i feel a child can do (after already trying to talk them calmly but they aren't willing to listen) is to get another adult whom they trust to speak on your behalf. Do you think there's anyone who can talk to your parent for you e.g., an aunt etc.?
MissyR70
April 8th, 2017 4:37am
The key to having a civil conversation about a problem is to stay calm. You will be taken more seriously if you remain calm and do not raise your voice or become angry.
Proactiveandre
April 20th, 2017 7:05am
When talking to a parent about something they did that hurt you, the situation can get very tricky. Even though you're trying to Talk about your feelings, a parent might perceive this as criticism and become defensive. To avoid this with my parents, I try to always use "I" statements instead of "you" statements. Ex: if a person said "You never listen" The parent could get defensive and say "no I wasn't" This gets nobody anywhere, and usually leads to more conflict. Instead try saying "I feel like my voice isn't being heard" by using an "I" statement, your parent is far less likely to think that you're criticizing them. If they still become defensive, repeat that you aren't accusing them, you're only saying how you feel. Ex: "I feel like my voice isn't being heard." "But you are! I hear you!" "I never said you didn't. I just said it can FEEL that way." By using feeling "I" statements, conflict can be more easily resolved. By using this method, you might have more success discussing the validity of your emotions. (( Ex: "I feel like my emotions aren't being taken seriously." "But I do take your emotions seriously!!" "I never said you didn't, I said it can FEEL like my emotions aren't being taken seriously." Hope this helps :)
Anonymous
April 21st, 2017 10:14am
Calmly request that they see it from someone else's point of view, making points of the situation in question. Listen to their view too and ask them to break their feelings down for you.
bouncyVision80
May 2nd, 2017 5:26am
Be patient until they become calm and explain your point of view in a composed manner. They are parents they always think of our good. If you make a valid point they will surely understand and listen.
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2017 4:46am
Depending on what your parents were raised believing and what sorts of biases they have, it can be very difficult to shake off old opinions. Perhaps, if you would like to convince them otherwise, try to sit them down (make sure to have evidence and supporting arguments ready) and calmly explain your feelings to them. Make sure that they understand that you have been feeling this way for a while and that it isn't just something you read on the internet.
Anonymous
June 29th, 2017 8:00pm
Your feelings are Always, Always valid. What you feel, that's somethin only you can feel. If they react badly, try to tell them a bit more about why you told them the way you told them or let them talk to someone else you told, or go seek professional help together. A professional therapist will be able to explain your parents everything they need to know.
8listener8
September 8th, 2017 5:48am
By making your point clear this will show that the matter is important, showing them with arguments why is valid what you feel. Also, parents tend to accept better things when you show them that they are talking to someone who is reponsible and knows of what is talking about.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2017 4:36pm
You should never resort to anger firstly but you should just calmly explain how you feel and why you feel that way
Anonymous
November 10th, 2017 7:52am
Give them some time to think about it. And then try again. We're all human beings, with complex minds that don't really think or feel the same way. You can give examples of situations when you felt like that feeling or emotion, to make your parent understand you better. Try to explain to them, that if they were in your shoes, how they would've felt. I hope that helps. :)
shesays11
November 17th, 2017 2:59am
I am sorry this shocks you, but this is how i am feeling, i cannot do anymore but be honest. I love you.
SimplementeLisa
November 19th, 2017 12:48am
You can try to talk them in a relaxed way, without any hurries. You must to explain them how you're.
HarvesterOfChrist91
December 1st, 2017 8:00pm
That can be hard, especially when you have an invalidating parent like mine. All you can really do is speak your part and control what/how you say it. You unfortunately can't control their response.
Anonymous
December 8th, 2017 11:41pm
Tell them that even if they dont agree, they should listen to it. Maybe they'll come to an understanding.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2018 12:18pm
Everyone is entitled to feel their own emotions no matter what the are. I love the following quote for this situation, "be who you are say what you feel, because those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter".
kiwi2001kiwi
February 16th, 2018 3:54pm
Try to explain your opinion to them in a manner that they, personally, would understand. Find out what appeals to them.
Anonymous
February 21st, 2018 5:15pm
I'd make my position known with respect and care. Tell them I am also an individual and a person with feelings to be acknowledged and respected, just like them. And I'd also tell them how it makes me feel that they don't take into account my side of things.
Anonymous
February 22nd, 2018 6:17am
This is a really common problem. The most important thing you can do is not give up. Remember what you feel is valid and don't let others convince you otherwise. Once you feel it wholeheartedly, you can keep working to help them understand too. I would suggest writing a letter to them if verbal communication isn't working out. Or finding common ground between each other to connect. Good luck! Xx
proudSoul20
February 22nd, 2018 3:05pm
Explain to them that you disagree with their point of what validation is. Not everyone agrees. And then just tell them what you think is valid.
Anonymous
March 1st, 2018 4:47pm
Maybe you could explain the effect that this feeling is having on your life - if it's a negative feeling, such as anxiety, then you could tell them about all the things it's preventing you from doing, so that they understand it better. If it's something you feel about your identity, you could try and let them know that it's not something you can change, but that you would like them to at least try and listen to you. Give them time, and they will realise the validity of your feelings now that you have pointed them out and they know to look out for them.
Anonymous
March 9th, 2018 5:56am
Your opinion is very valid. Just because you are young doesn’t mean your opinions are not valid. So I would start by asking why they don’t think your opinions are valid. If they say it is because you are young respond back that you have your own feelings, opinion, and personal views. If its just because they disagree with your view then explain that not every one has the same views and opinion on everything.
kindHand56
April 14th, 2018 10:22am
You don't have to explain anything to them, if you believe what you're saying is valid enough for you then why explain anything to them and waste your time? Life is too short, if they won't understand whatever it is you're trying to explain to them, then you need to let go and remain calm and come to an understanding that not everybody will be on board with your thinking or ideas etc. Hope this helps you! Stay strong! :)
Anonymous
April 15th, 2018 4:13am
Parents only have your best interests at heart. If they reacted badly you may feel it’s valid but they do not. Sit down with your parent calmly explain why you feel your valid but also get your parent to explain his or her reasons for reacting the way they have. A parent reaction could be due to an experience they have had. Sit down calmly and tell them how you feel and why you feel your point is valid but don’t do it while there angry do it when there calmness and rationality, doing it while all parties are upset is not going to produce an outcome may end up worse
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2018 9:56am
Parents often will be from a different time frame. Their experiences are different from others. However, if you truly believe what you have to say is important, you will have to talk it to them. Patience is the key.
TheCup5893
April 27th, 2018 11:40pm
Nobody likes to be treated badly. Nobody. A kind word feels good while an unkind one hurts. That's just how things are, even though parents like to justify their pain inflicting actions with their good intentions. :( I'm so sorry you're having to deal with that and I hope everything works out for the best. :)
Glamorousbeauty
May 2nd, 2018 5:20am
Sit down calmly and show your parent that you have a perspective on the problem too. Tell them in a nice way that they should calm down and talk things out. Try to work together to fix the problem and improve each other’s mood.
GlowingDreamer15
May 5th, 2018 9:58pm
Try talking to them again calmly, and explain why you think this is valid. If they don't accept it or if you don't feel safe talking about it, there is no obligation to do it !
JamesLance
May 23rd, 2018 4:51am
Maybe you could give it some time? Wait until you have all calmed down and the mood is right to bring it up again to discuss. They may also need time to digest what you have told them. I don't know what you told them but it is possible that they were taken by surprise or shocked which is why they reacted badly, maybe they need time to take it in
Ekameva
May 23rd, 2018 8:54am
If you can allow some time to pass, then do so; sometimes people just need time to reflect on their own reactions & they do change their stance. If time is of essence & you need to get your parent's consent soon enough, then a heart to heart conversation is a great way to break the deadlock. But even before you approach your parent, start by genuinely looking at the situation from their standpoint, convey to them sincerely that you appreciate and value their standpoint and then if you still feel your stance is valid, seek time for a heart to heart chat. During the chat, try and put forth your point without ever ridiculing or dismissing their objections as unimportant or pointless. Make them feel valued by trying to seek their buy-in rather than it looking like you forcing them to align with your decision and try your best to avoid making it sound like it's them versus you. Try your best to arrive at a win-win if possible at least at a discussion level, even if in the end you have no choice but to go with your decision as opposed to theirs.