Trust is a lot like money. Earning it is hard, losing it is easy. Do you feel at times that your parents could trust you more? If so, what can you do about it?
As you go through the transition to adulthood, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions. The transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step by step. Along the way, the issue of trust can be a source of considerable tension between youths and parents. If so, how can you earn greater trust from your parents? And if you’ve lost their trust because of some unwise actions on your part, what can you do to repair the damage?
Prove Yourself Trustworthy
You need to try to be honest with your parents. What kind of track record do you have when it comes to being upfront with them about your whereabouts and activities? Are you keeping secret boyfriends or girlfriends? Do you sneak out at night? Have your parents begun to suspect your movements? Have they complained about your association?
How Can You Regain Their Trust?
Your parents will accord you greater trust as you build up a record of responsible behaviour. If you prove trustworthy—even in small things—your parents are likely to trust you more in the future. So rather than complain about your parents’ lack of trust in you, focus on building up a record of trustworthy behaviour.
But what if you feel that despite your best efforts, your parents aren’t giving you the trust you deserve? Why not talk over the matter with them? Instead of complaining that they need to be more trusting, respectfully ask them what they think you need to do to earn their trust.
Don’t expect your parents to make concessions immediately. No doubt they’ll want to make sure that you’ll make good on your promises. Use this opportunity to prove yourself trustworthy. In time, your parents may well accord you greater trust.
