How Do You Know When Your Grown Children Who Ignore Their Parents: Grown kids who ignore their parents at some point either are unaware of the emotional impact they have on the parents or they hold onto grudges over unaddressed matters which occurred in the past. This type of behavior weakens both the parent-child bond and creates difficulties for the family in general. However, there are many ways in which grown children who ignore their parents can be helped by implementing some positive parenting practices and attitudes. This article discusses the top 5 ways to help such children.
First, grown children who ignore their parents can experience a sense of guilt. Guilt because of their lack of participation in a parent’s activities or feelings can make them feel bad. Children can even feel depressed because their feelings of isolation are so strong. The best way to combat feelings of guilt is to reassure the children that they are loved and that they are important.
Second, a grown child who has ignored his/her parents can start to develop some negative beliefs. Children who are not involved with their families start to think of themselves as “the black sheep.” This concept can cause them to be very self-critical and can cause them to reject any help from others. In order to help avoid this attitude, children need to get more involved with their families and with group activities. The more involvement the child has, the more likely he/she will feel emotionally connected to his/her family.
Third, adult children who are experiencing the problem of adult children who ignore their parents can benefit from learning some relationship skills. Parents of grown children who ignore their parents can inadvertently create a very tense relationship in the home. If the adult children do not feel connected to their parent(s), they may start to look for a connection with someone outside the family (i.e. church, minister, coach). Learning how to manage and respond to these situations can help the parent(s) to have a more secure place in the family structure and can prevent the need for an adult child seeking psychological counseling.
Fourth, grown children who ignore their parents can also benefit by learning how to stay away from parental stress. Living with a constant burden of emotional stress can cause them to become depressed and, in some cases, suicidal. It can also cause them to withdraw from other people (including those with whom they should feel most comfortable). Learning how to handle stress can help the parent to avoid the problem of adult children who stay away from their grown parents.
Fifth, adult children who feel like they are being ignored can take steps to change the situation. They can begin by challenging the behaviors that make them feel like they are being ignored. In addition, they can begin to set reasonable limitations on the time that they spend with their parent(s). If the adult children feel like they cannot get their requests met, they may try to make changes so that they feel like they can get what they want when they ask for it.
Finally, grown children who ignore their parents can benefit by developing healthy relationships. It is important for children to have meaningful, open interactions with adults (including their parents). They need to feel that the adults in their lives understand their needs and do not judge them. It is also important for grown children who ignore their parents to develop a sense of gratitude. Children who have positive relationships with their parent(s) tend to do better in school and other areas of their lives.
As you can see, there are many benefits to having grown children who ignore their parents. The relationship between the parent and child is strengthened, and the parent gets some positive attention from their kids. This does not always happen though. In many cases, the child who acts out has not come to understand the reason why he or she is being ignored. In these cases, having an honest and open dialog with the child can lead to setting up appropriate limits and boundaries so that both sides feel like they are getting what they want from the relationship.
