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My parent wants me to do something I don't want to do, how can I tell them no?

127 Answers
Last Updated: 02/14/2022 at 12:27am
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I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.

Top Rated Answers
Nakuu
December 18th, 2015 1:37am
You calmly engage into the conversation explaining why you don't want to do it and how it makes you feel.
Anonymous
December 18th, 2015 3:52am
I think that depends on what it is that they are asking you to do. If it is morally wrong, don't do it. Politely tell them no with respect. If they are persistent then talk to a relative, law official, teacher, counselor, of clergy and ask what to do. If it is to do a normal chore, just do it. We have all been here. It isn't fun but it is part of growing up and learning responsibility.
Anonymous
December 19th, 2015 1:53am
Be honest. Give valid reasons why you don't want to do it, and then give an alternative, a compromise. Just remember to be courteous, polite, and mature.
KeenToThee
December 20th, 2015 3:21am
One of the many ways you can notify your parents that what they want you to do displeases you is by notifying them that it will not make you happy in the long run. As you state this, be sure to elaborate as to why you prefer to do something else and how it can be beneficial to you. Hope this helps!
starryKoala69
December 20th, 2015 11:19am
be true to them! it is completely ok to not want what our parents want for us. they undoubtedly want our good but sometimes we do not want that and live under pressure. when all we need is be true to them. they want us happy not pressurised or do them a favour. they are our parents trust them enough to be true. they can be a little upset but in the end would support u like a rock! :)
Anonymous
December 24th, 2015 4:35am
You should tell them first how you feel about it, and why you don't want to do that thing that they're asking you to.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2022 12:27am
I used to struggle with this and would constantly overthink about telling them 'No' or feeling bad for not wanting to do the thing that was asked. I soon realized that I just needed to breathe and think about the situation from my parents' point of view, "What might be their reasoning for asking?" and I'll communicate with my parents the reasons why I might not want to and hear their thoughts. Usually, a consensus is made on a decision that benefits both of us (whether it may be what they wanted or I wanted or something completely different). I hope this helped, Have a great week!