LIFE

Dear Carol

How to get your parents to give you some space

Dear Carol,
I don’t know why, but I’ve felt like I need to back-talk my dad because he has so many rules—and most of them don’t make sense. All I want lately is to be alone, but I never get any privacy.

–Going Crazy

Dear Going Crazy,
Your parents make rules because they love you. Feeling frustrated about it can be extra common during the holidays when parents and kids feel stressed over test-taking, present-buying and family reunions. Nevertheless, nix the back-talk. It backfires anyhow, right? Every so often, when your dad is shouting the same old rules, say, "I see your point," or, "Got it." If you act less annoyed, he might be less strict. A heart-to-heart might also help. Tell him how you feel without being sarcastic. Toss in phrases like, "I realize you worry about me because you care." Deep down, dads want to protect their daughters—not drive them crazy.

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by Carol Weston | 2/28/2019
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