Having parents that are "overprotective" isn't necessarily a bad thing. Having parents that are protective of you means you have parents that care. However, sometimes, especially as you get older, their over-protectiveness can become overbearing and get on your nerves. So, how can you deal with overprotective parents in a way that is right? Read on to find out! I have some tips for those under 18 and some for those of you who are dealing with overprotective parents as an adult.
Your parents are only concerned for your well-being. So, work with that. Be free with the info they want to know. Don't hide things from them - this only makes things worse. Make sure they meet and know your friends. I know it may get on your nerves now, but in later years, you'll be thankful you had great parents like this! Trust me, I've lived it!
If you show your parents that you can be trusted, they are more likely to give you a little liberty. If you say you're going to the library and then to your friends house, do just that. Show them that you are a person of your word, and they'll appreciate your maturity.
Whether you like it or not, your parents are in charge of you until you're 18 years old. They take care of you and provide for you, so they deserve to know where you're at - all the time. If you've got a busy day of running with your friends, let your mom or dad know exactly what you have planned for the day. If you really want to impress them, provide them a list of the numbers for each place you will be, so they can get ahold of you anytime you want. Or, you could make sure your cell phone is handy - that works too!
Speaking of cell phones, one of the reasons your parents let you have a cell phone is to be able to get ahold of you. It doesn't help your situation any at all when your parents call or text and you don't answer. Make sure to provide quick text replies to your parents, and never, never ignore a parents incoming call! To worry an overprotective parent only makes them more protective in the future!
Having an overprotective parent as an adult can be a little more difficult to deal with. Realizing that you are a capable adult and no longer need their help can be hard for some parents to accept. If this is your problem, first of all, try sitting down and talking with them. Tell them that you love them and appreciate their care and concern, but that you need to be able to have a life on your own. Usually, this is just what a parent in this situation needs to hear, and in time, your life will begin to normalize. Make sure that they know that you are more than happy to receive thier advice when you ask for it, so they will still feel needed some. Remember, they do still have wisdom that you have not experienced yet - no matter how old you are!
It's hard to break the bond between yourself and an overprotective parent if you're still living at home. If this is the case, you should go find your own place to live. If, after moving, you're still experiencing overprotective actions from your parents, you might consider moving a much longer distance away. It may be hard on your leaving everything, but in the end, it will probably be exactly what you need for a fresh start in life!
If all else fails, you need to be firm with your parents and let them know that this is your life and that you need to live it the way you think best. While you love them, they need to realize that you don't have check in with them for every little thing. I don't think, at this point, that most parents like this are even realizing the stress and pressure they're putting on their son or daughter. It's good to be completely honest with them about all of this, and how you feel about it. Good luck!
What do you think? Do you have overprotective parents like this? Feel free to share your feelings about your parents or this article in the comments section below!
Top Photo Credit: House of Isreal