Why is it important to maintain or to build a close relationship with parents or grandparents? Possible answers may be:

• Parents care about you and your well-being.
• Parents have had many of the same experiences and problems that you have.
• As you mature, parents also grow and mature. Parents eventually become friends as we grow older.
• If you have problems, your parents share in the legal responsibilities.
• Parents can protect, teach, advise, and help in ways that no other person can.

It is important to build relationships with parents. They can be our best friends if we will encourage them and allow them to be. A strong parent/child relationship is the strongest bond there is. You should do all you can to build and strengthen this relationship. As you grow and mature, this relationship with parents will become more and more valuable to you. It is important to continue to strengthen those relationships.

How do we communicate with our parents? One very good way is to reinforce parents. No one can give to parents better encouragement than his or her own son or daughter. When your parents come through for you, encourage them to come through again by giving them a pat on the back.

Remember: actions speak louder than words. Give your parents a hug or a pat on the back when they do something nice for you. You can also show signs of affection for no particular reason, or when you leave home for school or when you are leaving for summer camp, or before you go to bed at night. These are excellent communication skills (and habits) to develop.

Always remember your parents are people too. They have been where you are now and can remember how you feel. Remember to always keep the lines of communications open. Never, ever shut the door on your relationship. Parents can play an important part in obtaining your goals now and in the future.

It is important to show respect for your parents’ opinions and ideas. Though you may not always agree, it is important to listen and ponder the information and suggestions they give. When you don’t agree, remember: assertive but respectful communications will be most valuable in maintaining a good relationship.

When you compliment your parents, always be sincere. It is especially important if your parents are not accustomed to complimenting you. You will be communicating to them who you are and you will be teaching them to relax and loosen up. Some parents are extremely uptight about being parents. Sometimes they think they may mess up if they are not strict enough and they have learned certain parenting habits from their parents. By being sincere and open with your parents, you will encourage your parents to feel good about being parents. And best of all, you will gain your parents’ trust and support.

Activity:

On the board write “Things I would like to talk to my parents about.” Have the students write on a blank sheet of paper a list of subjects. After collecting the papers, read some out loud and ask the class what communication style and approach should be used for each subject. You may want to do this exercise by role-play.
***Let the students know ahead of time some of their answers may be read aloud to the class.