Relationships at Home
The “101”
You might not have given much thought to your relationships with the people with whom you live. Just know that it’s normal to have tension or conflict from time to time among people living in the same place. Sometimes that has to do with whether the people living together have enough privacy or quiet time, or similar routines. Sometimes people just get on others’ nerves. And it’s natural for youth and their parents or caring adults to tangle from time to time. That’s just part of becoming an adult. What’s most important is that you make a gut check and if you feel that a relationship with someone else in the place you live just isn’t right in any way, you bring that up to an adult you trust.
Reflect On It
Write in your journal (download journal) any thoughts you have as you think about this topic, using the questions below:
Learn More
Tips for Talking to Your Parents or Other Adults Read or listen to tips for talking to adults in your life. Try out these suggestions the next time you want an adult’s help. You might practice what you’re going to say to the adult if what you want to talk about is uncomfortable for you or for them.
Take Action!
Plan what you want to get out of the conversation
First think if you are trying to seek permission for something you want to do, if you just need someone to listen, or if you need to share something that happened to you.
Wait for a good moment to talk
Wait for a moment that your caregiver isn’t busy or distracted with something else so they can give you their full attention. If you cannot find a good moment, simply ask them to tell you when it’s a good time for them to talk. You may find them more receptive.
Keep the conversation friendly
Avoid starting the conversation with a complaint or an argument. If they feel confronted by you, they may be less open to talk or understand your point of view.