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What can I say to make my parents understand the way I am feeling?

18 Answers
Last Updated: 03/05/2018 at 8:32pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jill Kapil, PsyD

Psychologist

I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.

Top Rated Answers
HealingLight0893
September 21st, 2015 3:59pm
Make sure the atmosphere is calm. Words that are shouted are rarely listened to. Sit your parents down and explain to them calmly, in the best way that you can, and answer their questions.
capriaesthetics
March 5th, 2018 8:32pm
Try writing them a letter. As someone who has always had trouble voicing my feelings, I find it easier to write it out on paper or on my laptop. This way, you are able to mention all the things you are trying to tell them without the fear of being interrupted or stared at and you can always edit later!
compassionateDay97
March 5th, 2018 2:08pm
Sit down and talk to them. Try and educate them as much as possible on your feelings. Be open, calm and be ready to answer any questions. If you want them to understand, try and access online videos or books that can help you.
ams96
September 4th, 2017 7:14pm
Try to sit them down and let them know that you're doing your best to make sure they understand exactly how you're feeling. I know it seems like parents just don't understand, or can't relate to what we're feeling - but believe it or not, they can. Let them know you are reaching out to them for help - and you need them to understand exactly what you are feeling.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2016 5:14am
All you can do is be calm, honest, and open-minded. We can't control what other people think, do, or how they react. Stand your ground calmly, and always do what's best for your personal well-being. It's okay to reach out to another adult if your parents aren't emotinally supportive: like a school counselor, therapist, or group support sessions that may meet in your area. You may say something like, "I feel __ when __. I really need ___. I feel that I'm having trouble explaining how I feel the right way, and I might look for some help for that. This is really important to me."
Greatlistener87
August 1st, 2016 2:39am
Best is to sit them down and be honest with them. They are your parents and if you be honest with them and explain to them in detail they will understand.
comfortableComfort71
May 31st, 2016 8:39pm
You can't always make someone understand your emotions and it's important to accept this first. Know that they might not understand, but understand that it is still important to persist and try to keep expressing yourself to them. If your parents truly care for you, they will do their best to at least try and see your perspective, even if they truly can't understand your emotions.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2016 4:41pm
Say exactly how you are feeling when you really need to. Getting things out to other people really feels good when you can say it right as you are feeling it.
SoulHealer85
November 17th, 2015 7:56pm
If you have not approached them yet about something you would like to talk about, maybe try writing it down so that you can communicate it clearly to them. Sometimes it is hard to say out loud what we want to say.
CalmingWinterLotus
February 12th, 2015 4:39pm
Try asking them to do something specific to an active listening skill, like "can you tell me what you're hearing me say after I finish sharing?" It might help them actually listen and take in better what you're saying, and will help you feel heard more (even if they get it wrong, it helps to see them trying)!
Anonymous
July 20th, 2015 6:55am
Write down all your feeling from your perspective, take them out to eat/make them something, and have them read it
RyanChandler
June 11th, 2015 12:56am
Parents, just like all people, are not psychic. I know it seems like they always have been. As a baby they knew when to change your diaper, when to feed you. As you grew up they knew how to cover your scratches and how to do your math homework. But now you are older and more of an adult. Answers no longer come out as easy as if you were a child. Now you have to communicate. It's one thing to have issues bubble up into an argument, but just like any other person telling the other what you think makes them know what you feel. You just have to understand that they may feel different about it.
AloneAcneLove
May 22nd, 2015 8:19pm
Tell them to sit down, calmly, and talk this through. Nothing can be solved if there's no communication in it.
PatriciaRS
May 20th, 2015 2:21pm
That should probably take more than one conversation with them. You can start by getting comfortable with telling them about you and how you spent your day for every day. Then follows, telling them your deep and personal thoughts.
versatileOasis48
April 30th, 2015 5:02am
You are a very capable person and you can find a way to show them. What if you try thinking of different scenarios on how to tell them. What does your heart say?
lovecathy
April 26th, 2015 6:20pm
You have to think about their point of view. Assuming you know your parents relatively well, think about past talks you have had with them and what you did that made them respond understandingly - a certain way of phrasing something, for example. Try to think of their character and situation and put your feelings into words they can comprehend, while staying as close to the original meaning as possible.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2015 5:54pm
Before expecting to be understood, try to understand them as well. Understanding is best when mutual.
undercoverloverthatxx
February 15th, 2015 1:26am
Explain them every single thing you are experiencing right now. Sit down with them, take the time to let them sink everything in. Parents will listen to you, cause deep down they'll love you no matter what. You were born to be loved not hated