HOW TO DEAL WITH PARENTAL PRESSURE

We all get to a time in our lives when we feel distressed and so stressed out by our parents. We automatically kick against their rules, term correction as “nagging”, we revolt, rebel and even wish we could make them see everything our way.

Parental pressure can be defined as the incessant burdens and tension that parents place on their children, in a bid to make them live up to certain expectations.

This pressure is even more extreme for young adults who are in a hurry to take charge of their lives but are being held down and constantly monitored by their parents. Some teens and adolescents even tend to dislike and avoid their guardians/parents altogether.

Unsettling as it might seem, the pressure imposed by parental control can not ever be completely averted, but it can be eased by considering the following:

1. REMAIN CALM
Parental pressure is probable to result in small spats and arguments, in this moment parents try to point out how wrong their kids are. But whether you’re right or not, this is not the time to talk back, especially if you’re angry. Save your views for a more cooler conversation.

2. KNOW WHY THEY’RE PUTTING PRESSURE ON YOU
Some parents actually do know what is good for their children, but how they express it creates the impression that they just want to be in charge. If you can not observe the reason they are pushing you so hard, gather the courage to ask them nicely.
You might find their intentions are not so bad, and that could save you so much emotional stress.

3. BE SURE OF WHAT YOU THINK
Parents are almost always right, but they can be wrong too.
Don’t just THINK what you want is better than what they want for you simply because you hate their idea, it is Paramount to double-check what it is you are fighting for.
Will it benefit yourself and them in future?
If it fails, will they be unhurt enough to embrace you?
No matter how smart and able you think you are, you still need them.
So it’s best to not make any irrational decisions.

4. THEY’RE NOT COMPLETELY UNREASONABLE
They might appear selfish at that time, but they do care for you. Do not shut yourself away when they do not seem to listen, most times it’s simply because understanding is absent.
The power of a matured diplomatic conversation should not be underrated. Talk to them about what you desire, and let them see why you cannot fulfill their wishes.

5. STAY FOCUSED
Parental pressure is usually distracting and very depressing. But there isn’t a time to be more determined and driven than in such moments.

You could also:

•Try your best not to let them down if you are willing to compromise.
•Make excuses for their behavior and fix anything that’s broken.
•Find your happy place, and try not to dwell so much on how you must have disappointed them.
•Stay positive
•Forgive them. Forgiveness is a big hack to freedom from emotional stress.

It is not easy to understand others when they do not understand you, nonetheless, it is important you remember that they are still family.
Put your foot down but be reasonable as well

– Adeku Jemimah