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How to make your parents listen to you?

88 Answers
Last Updated: 05/11/2020 at 7:10pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Brooke Bowen, LPC

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I am nonjudgmental, supportive, and encouraging. I use an eclectic approach in order to empower you so you can have a happy and fulfilling future :)

Top Rated Answers
peacefulMoon81
March 23rd, 2016 9:20pm
Organise a time to talk to them and let them know that it is important to you. Also tell them that you would appreciate them spending 5 minutes speaking to you.
ShadowAngel15
April 8th, 2016 8:03pm
Try to be calm with your answers. When you're angry you can start off on the wrong foot and imply something entirely different than what you actually wanted to imply. I wish you luck.
Celena
April 6th, 2016 3:16am
Parents have more experience in life and sometimes it may feel like they don't understand. They just probably want to prevent you from getting hurt because they love you. I really think the best way is to sit down and have "heart-to-heart" talk with them. Your parents love you no matter what and they will be there for you if you need help.
L1venotV1n
April 3rd, 2016 2:50am
Wait for an opportunity for example ask your parents to take you out for dinner. Once at dinner and you have enjoyed your meal , let them know that you want to talk to them about something important. Ensure that the setting is calm and if the matter is sensitive, make sure that everyone is well supported.
crispAngel43
April 2nd, 2016 2:07pm
listen to them first agree with them and them gently tell them your point of view and justify why you need something
Miranda1999
March 30th, 2016 5:24pm
I think the best way to make your parents listen to you is to remain calm when talking to them. Try not to raise your voice, and just calmly say, I have something to say, can you guys just listen to me for a minute, so something along those lines, and then tell them :)
mroa
March 25th, 2016 9:52pm
Make them realize how important it is that they listen to you, Be honest. Express your emotions, tell them what is bothering you.
couragetogo
March 25th, 2016 9:41pm
Talking to them on their level. In a moment of relaxing time. With a soft mature voice and sometimes you have to take on a topic repeatedly to show how urgent it is. Although you need to always consider their point of view. (Which again helps with mature thoughts and impression)
Hope114
March 6th, 2016 7:19pm
By listening to them.. Then showing them that I am mature enough to trust me and to respect my way in viewing the life.
gentleHoliday50
April 28th, 2016 3:45am
Exposing how you feel, being practical and on the point. Try to emphasize with them even been difficult sometimes.
Kyrstie
April 28th, 2016 8:36pm
Getting anyone to listen to you can be difficult at times, but this is especially true with our parents. Parents often love us so much, they make decisions or judgments based on your life purely out of love. However, this can be a problem when you are trying to get them to listen. In my experience, it has been helpful to calmly bring up the topic. If your parents start interrupting you to ask questions or argue, don't let yourself get caught up in it. Patiently wait them out, and then ask if you can continue. Repeat that you have something important to say and that you really need them to listen. In my experience, most of the time they do not know they are doing it. A calm demeanor and gentle reminders to them that you need them to listen can go a long way toward helping this situation!
Anonymous
May 6th, 2016 4:40pm
Tell them you need them to pay attention because it's important. If that doesn't work, then it might be a neglect situation that needs attention from someone who can help
HoshiInu
May 7th, 2016 1:10pm
Be sure to talk to them as calmly as possible when starting up the conversation. Try not to come off as angry or impatient, and be as respectful as possible. Listen to their side, too, and try to see it from their side. If they still don't seem to be hearing your side, try talking to them about how you feel that you aren't being heard or respected by them.
Sunrisecatcher7
May 8th, 2016 3:06pm
Try to explain what you mean for them to understand your point or to handle the situation better :).
Flakterna
May 11th, 2016 10:21am
Oh well. That really depends on one's parents, obviously. I don't think there's a real immediat solution, you just need time... Or you just need to see them less and let them actually come to you. I have a pretty bad experience with my parents, so I just gave up on that, sadly.
snugglyHand12
May 11th, 2016 2:45pm
Come at it from their perspective. They most likely want to do what's best for you. Respect that and show them they can trust you and you and you are responsible.
Anonymous
May 12th, 2016 5:42pm
Be respectful and ask for their time. you could try explaining that the issue is important to you.
Anonymous
May 14th, 2016 1:35am
Listen to them till the end and try to not interrupt them, and after they're done talking tell them that it's their time to listen to you without interrupting.
skylerraber1234
August 2nd, 2016 12:46am
Speaking on behalf of most parents, trust is how you get your parents to listen to you. How can they believe or listen to you if you have a high record of lying. Also, using "I" statement such as, I feel like you did this and this is why. When you yell it triggers your brain to put on a defense mechanism and they won't be as open to suggestion.
generousWaterfall39
December 13th, 2016 3:32am
There are no guarantees that someone will change their perspective, but in my personal experience one stands a greater chance by following a few simple steps. Set aside some time with them without distractions so they realize the importance of the issue. When you have a conversation, know what you would like to communicate in a calm, clear manner. Remain respectful and set the stage by letting them know it is not your desire to argue. It is to be open and honest. If things feel as though they are getting a little off track, suggest everyone take a break for a short period of time. The goal is to be heard as a responsible, articulate person. If you accomplish these goals, you are already doing well. Be proud of your communication skills and utilize them consistently.
AmazonianPanda610
January 24th, 2017 6:43am
Talk to your parents in an environment that provides no distractions and speak confidently but respectfully, get your point across in a tone that doesn't come across as rude or demanding.
Anonymous
March 6th, 2017 7:20am
I know this isn't exactly what you want to hear, but you can't make anybody listen to you. You can try getting another family member or a trusted adult to tell them what you are trying to let them know because sometimes they hear it better coming from another person. I know it's hard, but no matter how much you scream and yell at a person, they have to want to listen to you. You can't make them. I know it sucks, but it will get better!
InsertYouNameHere
January 16th, 2018 1:35am
It's more about understanding each other. try to express yourself in a respectful manner, try not to trigger defensive reaction and try to truly connect with your parents. I believe that mutual understanding is key to this
Sunshine444
March 5th, 2018 6:41am
Decide a particular time and day when you know your parents are free and relax. If it is very important and urgent tell them frankly that you need their time to discuss important matter. be prepare what you exactly need to express. Be ready to answer their questions. Also do not take pressure or stress. They are your parents and surely they will listen to you.
EmpathicPikachu
May 11th, 2020 7:10pm
Generation gap or sometimes other factors can sometimes lead to communication issues between parents and kids. As their child, it'd help you great deal if you understand your parents by thinking yourself in their shoes as to why they are not listening to you. You can ask yourself if what you are asking is too much or if you are just unable to communicate to your parents. Understanding the situation better will help you. After this, you can work on the situation. If all is well, you can talk to your parents in a manner which can deliver your message to them in a calm manner. Its hard to stay calm in these situations but it all depends on how you act as a person. If still in doubt, feel free to talk with someone you trust or a listener here. Stay safe! :)
contentedWings69
February 25th, 2016 11:59am
First make sure you listen to them and when you need something make sure you are able to justify why they should listen to you.maybe these will ease things out.
Anonymous
March 3rd, 2016 7:21pm
You should make sure you have one on one time with them. Make sure to bring up the topic in a serious manner to show the importance
LadyChanel
March 3rd, 2016 12:59am
First and foremost, always be polite and respectful with your parents :) It is the first step to having a serious conversation. Without respect, people tend to be defensive and closed minded. Second of all, choose the right moment to discuss with them. Last but not least, understand them. You hate the fact that they don't understand you, but it is the same for them. Try to always consider their position and take into account their worries. If you are respectful and polite, choose the appropriate time to discuss and take into account their worries, you have all the ingredients to have an effective discussion with your parents :)
Anonymous
March 3rd, 2016 12:44am
Try talking to them sincerely and tranquility. Expose your concerns problems or disagreements with arguments and maturity.
Anonymous
March 2nd, 2016 4:58pm
One way to help you're parents listen is to be very clear and avoid raising your voice, another option could be just to take them aside, away from all distractions, and just have an adult conversation