Life Lessons Power to Change

Getting Along With Your Parents

Related Links

Living with Your Parents (without going crazy)

Parents...Sometimes they're great, other times they're just plain annoying! So, how can we get along with our parents? What should we do when we don't want to obey them? Take this online study to learn how to get along with your parents.

What do you like the most about your parents? What do you dislike about them?

If you’re having a tough time seeing the positive things about your parents, but an easy time seeing the negative things, try looking at all of the simple things that your parents give and do for you. What would some of these things be? Try also comparing your parents with other parents that are “worse” than yours, and list the things you can be thankful for.
When is it hard to obey your parents? What rewards or consequences are there when you disobey? Are there times that you should disobey? Give an example.

Think of some ways that you can remain respectful to your parents even when you don’t want to.
How can you respond when your parents set rules or expectations that you think are unfair? Are there proper and improper ways to respond?

Consider several ways that you can communicate with your parents without hurting them. Consider if all of your parents expectations are unrealistic, or if you have done something that has made them change their expectations or rules.
Do your parents approve of the friendships or relationships you have – why or why not? What would happen if you could see things from their perspective and they could try to see from yours? What things would you have to communicate with them that you haven’t already?

Perspective is often viewing the same issue from two different sides. Good communication happens when you can see the issue from both perspectives and come to an agreement or a compromise on the issue.
List some ineffective ways to sort out conflict with your parents. Why would these ways of dealing with conflict not work?

Now list some practical ways to resolve conflict.
List principles or methods you could apply to improve communication with your parents. How can you apply these methods when you catch yourself in an argument or misunderstanding with your parents?

Can you think of any books that you could read that might help?
How can you gain your parents trust? What might trust look like for you? How can you communicate with your parents about what trusting you might look like? What can you do if you have broken their trust?

If you want more responsibility and freedom, one way to gain it, is through gaining their trust.
List some ways that you can show your parents you love them, consider them and respect them.

How can you do at least two of these this week? How would your parents feel if you took the effort to do something nice for them this week?
How can you learn to forgive your parents when they do or say something to hurt you?

How can God help you to forgive? What are some ways to apologize when you mess up?
I have a question or prayer request on this study:

Your Name: Your Email: Confirm Email: Your Gender: Male Female Your City: Your State: Your Country:

Getting Along With Your Parents

Start a Conversation