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My parents don't listen to me, what should I do?

223 Answers
Last Updated: 06/18/2022 at 10:51pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
Canada
Moderated by

Lianne Kirby, MA in Counselling Psychology

Counselor

I believe everyone should have the opportunity for their voice to be heard. I use a trauma informed, person centred approach in counselling.

Top Rated Answers
Luckyhottubsandwhiches
March 24th, 2016 1:17pm
Talk to them about how you're feeling ignored when you can; they do get busy with work and stressing about you
Apollosdaughter
April 22nd, 2018 6:12am
Keep calm and analyze the situation. Do meditation for a while. The 7cups self-help is the best try it. Listen to your heart. Ask your parents the reason behind it. But do that politely. Keep yourself in their shoes and then look at the situations. Trust your heart and then take decisions. You'll get better results. I will pray for you. 😃
happysunrises
July 4th, 2018 2:08pm
You need to be assertive and tell them how you feel. If they don’t listen, don’t be afraid to tell them
MadisontheGemini1717
October 18th, 2014 8:06pm
Ask to talk to them about it and explain to them how you feel and why you feel this way. That way, they are aware of your feelings and fix the problem
JeshuaMorbus
January 20th, 2018 9:05pm
I know this sounds hard but, first of all, put yourself into your parents' shoes. Sometimes, haste or pride prevents you of judging well your own position. Once you do this, try to get to them one more time. If that doesn't help, then try to find a roundabout way to reach them, like finding information about their close position. Everything to understand, never to fight.
Dreamer123456
February 17th, 2018 7:51pm
Are your parents often busy? sometimes they can't help it if they have busy lives. if you want them to listen you need to make them! If they continue to not pay attention try talking to friends and teacher. People ypu can trust.
Anonymous
August 6th, 2016 9:48pm
If talking to them doesn't work, you could always talk to another family member and try to get them to reach out to them.
TalkToPranks
February 22nd, 2018 7:30am
Sometimes, it’s hard to get your parents to understand you.Even though they were your age once, you might feel that they simply can’t relate to you or your struggles. But, if you want to have a close relationship with them, you need to be able to speak to them effectively. You can help your parents understand you by being honest and open, picking the right time and place to talk, and working to build trust. Make a plan as to how and what would you like to discuss with 'em. Depending on the topic, one of your parents might be easier to talk to than the other. If you feel that that is the case, talk to the parent who you feel most comfortable with. Pull them aside when the other is not at home to have a discussion. Maybe you tried to talk to your parents about this issue in the past, but they refused to hear you out. Remember that sometimes in-person chats are not the best route. Consider emails, texts, or letters if your parents are not good listeners or if you are afraid to talk to them. Give them some time. Even if your parents do not understand you immediately, don’t worry! People often need some time to process things before they can completely get them. If you are hoping your parents will change their mind about something, give them some time. Until then, respect their decision. Hope this works for you! Good Luck :)
Anonymous
April 26th, 2018 2:26pm
Communication skills are very important in every relationship/friendship. Have you ever tried sitting down with them and having an actual conversation? no distractions or such? if not, I would definitely try that.
Jaelin
May 25th, 2016 5:30pm
It helps to sit them down and tell them nicely but decisively "Look, you taught me to respect others, and part of respecting others is respecting their views and opinions. Likewise I think I deserve that same respect from you-my parents." And see how they respond when forced to look at it from that perspective. They may see the error of their ways.
Anonymous
May 21st, 2016 12:11pm
It is sad that you are facing some difficulties talking with your parents and that might be very painful. Please, come and talk with someone. Give us some more information and we will be able to help you.
Emilybrewer1
May 19th, 2016 2:30am
This is a hard one.. I am sure it is rough when you think your parents aren't listening like when they choose their phone or other electronic over us. One thing that helps for me is if I want to tell my mom something, I will say "mom" but will not start talking until she holds eye contact with me. That lets me know she is listening and paying attention.
Anonymous
May 18th, 2016 5:37am
I think you should confront them about it, they're your parents after all and you deserve their care. If you don't think you're ready to do that yet, you can talk to other close people to you
HonestyinComfort123
May 14th, 2016 9:14pm
Try to talk to them about how you feel, using an 'I' statement, like I feel ____ when you _____ to avoid them getting defensive. If that doesn't work, bring in a neutral third party like a teacher, counsellor, therapist, or other family member.
Aquadreamer4151
April 6th, 2016 4:23pm
listen to yourself you are the creator of your own destiny you do not need others to listen to you only yourself
Anonymous
May 15th, 2016 9:22am
When speaking doesn't help,show it in action. Proving is one way to make your parents understand in certain situation.
timaeusTestified1203
March 20th, 2016 3:26am
It is a tough situation to be in. Try mentioning to one of them how you wish they would listen more, in a respectful manner. If that doesn't work, let me know when you figure it out. :(
RedRose82
March 19th, 2016 7:39pm
Sit down with them and talk about the pros and cons of whatever it is they won't agree to. If the pros outweigh the cons and its not a stupid decision then I'm sure they might at least listen to what you have to say.
Hash394
March 16th, 2016 7:21pm
The parent-child relationship is a complex one, and it's hard to find the balance between authority and love. Personally, I feel like my parents listen to me only when they know that I myself am sure about what I'm talking about. They are yet to say no to me for something I know is a foolproof good idea. And if not, they offer to help me, despite initial resistance. I think the biggest piece of advice I have here is to not lie or hide things from them. Transparent honesty has made my parents trust me, and for that very reason I am sure they will support me no matter what.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2015 4:23am
try explaining things to them more thoroughly and make them see your point of view and how you feel
Anonymous
April 13th, 2016 3:03am
Dear if your parents don't listen to you should try and have a family meeting with them and if that does not work you should go to a family counseling session for communication in a family is the most important part of being a family and there needs to be listening on both sides of the spectrum.
Sweetcaring77
September 15th, 2015 12:48am
Spend time with your parents. Tell them everything you do in day. Do it everyday and try to convince them whatever you want
WonderlandDream3
October 28th, 2014 3:25pm
Maybe try talking to them about how you feel when they don't listen to you. Mention that a family unit should be attentive to everyone's emotional needs
friendlyBeach26
April 21st, 2016 9:21am
Hello, your parents don't listen? That can be tough. What is it that they don't hear? What are they doing or listening to when they are not listening to you? It sounds like you want to get active and do something about this. Knowing how they are not listening or what else they are listening to will help you to take some active steps towards finding a day to do something about this issue. You have identified a challenging aspect of your relationship with your parents. It takes courage to recognise, this. In addition you are taking first steps to change the situation. I look forward to your response.
Happyjustlikethefutureyou
April 26th, 2018 7:20am
You should try and make them understand how important it is for you and sometimes also listen to them as they will always love you. They will always be there for you so give them some time and everything will be alright.
AthenaPanda
April 20th, 2018 8:07pm
You should find a way to make them listen. Nothing bad. Or if need be tell your school to call and talk with them.
BroadwayBaby
November 18th, 2014 7:14pm
Well, maybe they don't notice that? Talk to them and find out. That's always the best way. To be honest will help.
AprylFools
April 26th, 2018 12:33pm
I'd suggest speaking to them on a personal level, try to explain that they make you feel like they're not listening. See how that goes.
CalmWhisper22
January 24th, 2018 4:41pm
Have a family meeting write down an agenda so you don't forget what you want to talk about and discuss your feelings and make them hear you. If that doesn't work then tell a teacher at school to help you.
Kallie112358
April 14th, 2018 5:37pm
Approach them in a calm and logical manner (it might help to communicate via writing such as email or text) try to leave emotion out of the conversation and give them as many opportunities to get involved in the conversation as you can. Most people love to be asked for help or for their opinion so try starting it that way. Or if it is something sensitive try framing it as you are trying to help a friend and what advice should you give them.