I just wanted to ask advice about parental relationships. I want to be in a good relationship with my parents, but I am 18, and for the past three years while they struggled with their marriage (they are now getting a divorce) and lost family members (my fathers grandparents on his dad's side, my mothers father, and our family dog of 14 years) I have been figuring out college stuff on my own. I know they have their own problems to worry about, but I don't know how to even talk to them anymore.
Anonymous
Start with something simple: ask them (separately if they do not get along) if they want to have dinner with you. When people eat together, it gives them an opportunity to start out with some casual before moving on to serious subjects. Ask them about their jobs or what they’ve been doing lately. Most parents get really excited when they see their kid taking interest in what they do. Even your parents need to talk to someone about what goes on in their lives, so you can offer a listening ear. Sometimes you won’t even need to know what to say because they’ll do all the talking.
If you find yourself at a long pause in your conversation, start talking about what you’re doing in your life! Tell them about your studies, your sports, yours clubs, whatever you do while you’re at college. They might be feeling the same way you do, and just need a little nudge to help them reconnect with you.
