Relationships with Parents: Why You Should Call Them
Ah freedom, that’s all you ever want as a teenager. You are eager to live a life with no rules and no parents to tell you what to do. When the thought of moving out and going to college crosses your mind, you become so eager to leave home that you forget something so important, your relationships with your parents. You forget that you are their whole world and you become so focused on getting your freedom that you do not realize that they are also a part of your world. Then, one day, you are sitting in your small dorm room by yourself. You feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. As tears start flowing, you start to wish that your parents were there to hold you and tell you everything will be alright.
So, what’s the problem? As much as you may push your parents away as a teenager, college is the time when you need family support more than ever (Raising Children Network, 2017). However, in college you need them in a different way. For example, when you were a child your parents were there to nurture and guide you. Now, as a teen/young adult you are starting to become equals and you look to your parents for guidance in your new role (Raising Children network).
The Steady Base
As a teen, you start to become moody and hormonal, which is normal, but your parents may begin to feel you are pushing them away. Your behavior and body language can give them a sense that they are not wanted, but you cannot continuously push them away. Your parents are your emotional base and they are some of the very few people that can make you feel loved and accepted, no matter what. Without this steady base in your life you can begin to feel run down, self-conscious and unmotivated (Raising Children Network).
It’s really quite simple, do not push your parents away! They need you just as much as you need them, especially while you are away at school. Keep them updated on your life, tell them when something’s wrong, and let them know when you’re doing well. Give your parents that one on one time and it will allow you to stay connected and enjoy each other’s company (Raising Children Network). It’s important to have times like this with each of your parents, if possible. These moments can give you a sense of security while you are away, and can make you feel as if you are still there with them. Even though you may be growing up your parents to are always a short call away, even if it’s for something stupid. Because hey, that’s their job!
Scientific Evidence
A new study suggests that a healthy bond with one’s parent help protect their health for decades (Healthday News, 2017). Another study, conducted by Baylor University, found that a well-off home benefits long-term health, but only if the children have a healthy relationship with their parents (Healthday News). So not only can a relationship with your parents benefit you emotionally, but it can also benefit your physical health. I guess all the chicken soup, cold towels, and forcing cold medicine down your throat when you were sick can really pay off in the end.
It is said that children with a good relationship with their parents also have better communications skills, which is necessary for a healthy lifestyle starting at a young age (Healthday news). Because of this you will be less likely to be “out of control” for the future allowing you to be more put together.
First Example of a Relationship?
In life, your first example of a relationship is your parents. They’re your models for what a relationship should look like. A study suggests that how well you and your parents get along in your teens influences your romantic relationships later (Rachael Rettner, 2010). Your parents are the first people to ever show you love. They show you what a relationship should look like and they also taught you how to love. They taught you how to not hit, but use words, how to not say hurtful things, but to be kind.
Relationships with both parents are important, but one with your mother is especially important. Children with warm and close relationships with their mother had more satisfaction and less conflict with their significant other (Rettner). A mother’s touch to their child is unlike any other. They can make you feel safe and comfortable, allowing you to spread that same love and care to your partner.
Healthy Relationships
A healthy parent to teen bond helps to build strong relationships for the future (Rettner). “Parent’s’ relationships with their children are extremely important and that’s how we develop our ability to have successful relationships as adults, our parents are our models” said study researcher Constance Gager, of Montclair State University. “So, if kids are not feeling close with their parents then they’re probably not going to model the positive aspects of that relationship when they reach adulthood” (Rettner). Without this important relationship with your parents, you could easily misinterpret love or completely look past what could have been.
After reading this I want you to think about the relationship you have with your parents. Is it something you are happy with? Is it a relationship that you think is the best it could be? If it is, never change that, and if it isn’t, work on it. The relationship you have with your parents is too important to lose. So, don’t be stubborn or think you’re “too cool” now that you are in college. Give them a call and ask them how they are because they will be there for you over anyone else.
