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Whenever I go home, my parents treat me like a teenager again - how can I stop this from happening?

Profile: magicalUnicorns76
magicalUnicorns76 on Aug 10, 2019
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Write down occasions they do this with examples, and how it makes you feel to demonstrate your point. Maybe enquire why they do this so they are more self aware about it and can work on any internal issues. Then when they do it challenge them in the moment assertively and reinforce why it is unnecessary and how you feel when they do it. Perhaps explain why you are an adult and how you show this and the responsibilities you have in your life and how you have changed over time so they have examples of why treating you like a teenager is inappropriate
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Profile: Chlorophyll123
Chlorophyll123 on Sep 27, 2019
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Give it time. Be patient with them. Your parents are going through being your parent for the first time. Being a parent didnt come with a manual unfortunately. They are learning bout this new dynamic just as much as you are. Things will change usually, but over a course of time. Don't be afraid to set boundaries where needed.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Oct 13, 2019
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Hey there! It sounds like you're having trouble changing your parents' perspective of you, although you have matured into an adult. From a parent's point of view, they have gotten so used to you being their 'baby' that it seems unfathomable to them that you are now an adult of your own. For cases like these, it would be best to treat your parents in an empathetic manner. Additionally, try to maintain a mature relationship with them so they understand you are no longer a child/teenager whom they have to deal with. Instead, try having a straightforward (and respectful) conversation about what has been bothering you and why. In cases like these, actions speak louder than words. Try your best to show them you are an adult equal and should be treated so, while maintaining a good relationship with them. The last thing to do would be lashing out and acting against your words. Good luck!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 3, 2019
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I have been in a situation like this before. I would try to talk to them about it. If you can. I would just tell them how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Tell them how you would like to be treated and just see if anything changes.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Nov 21, 2019
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I remember when I was in college this would happen all the time. My mom was super strict. Eventually, as I got older, she stopped doing it. First remember, you will always be their baby. Second, you can push the boundaries a bit while still respecting them. It is a delicate balancing act. Eventually, they will come around and see you as an adult. The whole thing takes some getting used to. Honestly, I had to fuss a little with my mom for a couple of years. It took quite a bit of patience on my end as well as having conversations with her about what to expect out of me. Good luck.
Profile: warmGrace9480
warmGrace9480 on Dec 28, 2019
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Based on my personal experience, communication is the key. After all, there may be thousands of reasons ranging from something you said/did to unresolved family or personal issues. For example when parents are not able to step out of their role as a parent or are unhappy with their relationship with their partner. Sometimes instead it may be that they just miss you and do not know how to connect with you on more mature, adult level. If you feel that it is seriously affecting your well-being or relationship with your parents and you're not able to resolve this issue yourself, I strongly suggest to turn to the professional, for example family therapist.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 8, 2020
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Doesnt that stink?!?! I think that happens to most people, so you are not alone. Instead of expecting them to change, I'd encourage you to change your response to them, or the situations that they put you. We often cant change other people but we can change how we respond and react to others and that sometimes changes them, but at the very least it empowers us to seek the change we desire. So, when you are home, guide your parents to speak and talk to you and respond to their comments, rules, etc with how you feel a grown adult would respond. Carve out the life you want.
Profile: plushrain
plushrain on Jan 29, 2020
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Assert your boundaries respectfully. It can be hard for parents to transition from treating their child like a child, to treating their child like an adult. Speak up for yourself, but also make sure to thank your parents for wanting to take care of you (so long as what they're doing isn't harmful). If your parents are being controlling, asserting your boundaries is even more important. Your parents won't know to stop treating you that way unless you tell them! If you encounter difficulty with this, asking a friend for advice may help, as they likely know both you and your parents.
Profile: Sunshine38
Sunshine38 on Feb 6, 2020
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Trying to understand your situation. Being young and adult you must have been annoyed by there interference most of the times. It is tricky situation for you....on one side they treating you like this must have become habit to them from your childhood. but on the other side you want to take your own decisions. How about you sitting across and talk to them about your uncomfortable feeling due to there interference, may be adding some of the very good decision taken by you and was successful outcome. you can also explain to them that you will learn from the failures/ small wrong decisions...it will make you to more self- growth
Profile: CozyLobster
CozyLobster on Feb 21, 2020
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Try and talk to them how you want to be talked to. In order to command respect, you have to give it, too. Another important thing is simple communication. Parents aren't mind readers, and if they aren't malicious, they'll care about how you feel. They are not mind readers, though. Communication is very often something that isn't given enough credit as it should. Learning how to directly and comfortably communicate with your superiors and peers, in order to coordinate and compensate for each other's differences, is a very key life skill. Remember, even if you're younger, you still deserve to be heard.
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