For instance, if you have gotten into an argument recently with your parents, perhaps you still have some lingering resentment from that. What they have asked you to do may not be unreasonable, but you should talk to them about your feelings. Or, however, perhaps you are frustrated about having to complete more chores because you feel that you have very little free time. Assess how much time you have aside from homework and chores and see if you think your parents are being fair with upping the requirement.
For instance, if your parents are now requiring that you go to tutoring after school, consider the positives and negatives. For the positives, your grades will likely improve and you will have a higher GPA. A negative is that you will likely have less free time. In this instance, it would seem that tutoring would be more advantageous for you than would staying home and it might not be worth it to fight with your parents about it.
Consider talking to an aunt, uncle, or grandparent.
Remember that though your parents will not always be right, they still deserve your respect and obedience.
For instance, if your parents are requiring that you play a certain sport that you no longer want to play, you might have the following three points in opposition to their wishes: the sport takes time away from your academic studies, you no longer enjoy playing the sport and it feels like a chore, and you would prefer spending your time doing another hobby or participating in another sport. Your parents will appreciate if you have developed thoughtful and logical reasons for not doing something.
Pick a good time to ask them and do not ask right after they have gotten off of work. Parents typically like to have a few moments to themselves after a hard day at the office. You could say something like “Hey mom and dad, can we talk for a minute? There’s something that’s been on my mind that I wanted to discuss with you. ”
For instance, if they ask you if you think they are being fair, don’t say “yes” if you really believe in your heart that they aren’t. Instead, you could say “I know you are looking out for me and doing what you think is best and I love you for that. But it doesn’t feel fair to me that I have more chores than my brother, especially since he is older than me. ”
Never call them names or tell them you hate them. This will create new problems between you.
For instance, if they want you to change schools because your behavior has been bad, consider saying something like “changing the school won’t help; it’s me that is the issue. My friends don’t make me act out nor do my teachers. Give me the chance to work on myself first before you make the decision to move me. ”
Breathe deeply during the conversation. Sometimes, when we are stressed, we tend to breathe less and that can contribute to feeling more stressed in general. Sit with your legs and arms uncrossed. Keep hand movements to a minimum.
For instance, if your parents want you to go to a new school, but you don’t want to, think about ways that you can stay at your school but improve your experience and/or behavior. For instance, perhaps you can promise to stay after school for tutoring three times per week to improve your grades if that is the issue.
Perhaps they want you to change schools, but have they selected the school already? Can you have input on that? Ask them. [8] X Research source
Do all of your chores without having to be asked and without complaining. Do all of your homework and avoid conduct issues in school. Avoid fights with your siblings. Keep your parent’s household rules.
