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Home Relationships Parents, grandparents, and guardians How to deal with fights with your parents/guardians (text-version)

How to deal with fights with your parents/guardians

1. Talk about the rules. Talk about things ahead of time so that you will be able to tell what they will say yes or no to before you make plans. Ask your parents/guardians to tell you the reason for each rule. Ask if you can tell them how the rules make you feel. See if they will listen to your ideas about what the rules should be. They may be willing to use your ideas when making rules.
2. Try to stay calm. Don’t yell or stomp your feet when your parents/guardians say no. If you listen to what they say, you will show them that you are growing up.
3. Follow the rules. If your parents/guardians tell you to be home at a certain time, be home at that time. If you are going to be late, call and tell them so they don’t worry about you. If you follow the rules, they may let you come home later in the future.
4. Pick your battles. Cleaning your room is no fun, but it’s most likely not worth fighting about. Everyone has to do it!
5. Spend time with your family. Some teens fight with their parents/guardians over how much time they spend with their friends. Talk it over and make some special family time. There are lots of things your family can do together, like going on a hike or bike ride, or going to the beach.

Content last updated June 26, 2008

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