I don’t know what to think or do about my mom and I’s relationship.
CONSIDER THIS:
- When you have a negative relationship with your mother, it can make you feel confused and alone. You are strong for persevering through your issues with her even though she makes your life difficult.
- Your mother should be responsible enough to keep clear boundaries and teach you to do so as well. She may not have been ready to have kids when she did. This is unhealthy for you and her. This means you might want to be the mature one and learn to keep boundaries, even if she doesn’t agree. For example, you’re the child and she’s the parent. This means she has no right to pick fights with you. This is an example of abusive, immature and irresponsible behavior.
- Mothers are supposed to love their children unconditionally. If this isn’t the case, you can try to understand that there are better women out there who care. If you didn’t do anything wrong, the problem isn’t your fault. You can look up to celebrities, activists or maybe a teacher you trust and admire.
- Your own mother can be a bully. You can go to the Teen Central website then click the Learn tab and Bullying to read more on this issue. Knowledge is power.
- If your mother becomes dangerous, you can call 911. If no one believes you about her, continue to not let her cruelty intimidate you.
- If you need someone to talk to, you can head to the Teen Central website then click the Help tab to call one of the hotlines. You can see a trusted therapist or school counselor about any issues your mom may cause you.
- You can become a stronger person by learning responsibility. Gain control over your own life so your mom can’t intimidate you or cause you unnecessary harm. For example, you can get a part-time job or do some chores around the house.
- Rather than bottling up any anger frustration you may have, you can express your feelings with creativity. You can try writing in a daily journal, drawing, coloring in a coloring book or playing a musical instrument.
- Being spiritual might make it easier to accept that life is full of lessons. Go to the Teen Central website and click the Learn tab then Spirituality to learn more. Prayer, meditation and yoga are calming spiritual techniques. You can attend church services if you’d like as well.
- It may be best to stay away from your mom as much as possible so she doesn’t provoke you. You can find other activities to focus on like reading a favorite book, watching a humorous movie, doing homework or heading to your local library or park. Join a group like a sports team or honor society.
- Doing good deeds for others might help you because you can give others the unconditional love that you so desperately need. You can volunteer by helping out at a local animal shelter, read to children at the library or clean up the environment. You do things from home like writing letters to children with serious illnesses, adopt a pet from a shelter or find an opportunity online with a website like Volunteermatch.
- Remember that you aren’t alone because there are people who genuinely care about you. You can continue to have hope by taking care of yourself and finding the meaningful life you deserve. The Teen Central website has resources to read, check out the Learn tab or keep submitting your problems if you’d like!
HELP YOURSELF:
- How can you make sure to have a happy, successful future?
- How can you keep yourself safe from getting involved in conflict with your mom?
- Can you learn anything from your relationship with your mom?
- How can you let your relationship with your mom make you a better person so you can live a peaceful life?
