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Repairing relationship with teen Dd

3 replies

ThisSituationNeedsToChange · 05/03/2025 08:46

Please give me some ideas on how to repair our relationship with 13 yr old Dd.
We've had a stressful couple of years with both of us working full time, aging parents and lots of stress.
We became a shouty household and I've realised Dd hasn't coped well and seems distant and low.
Obviously, we're making changes to stop being shouty but how can we now repair this relationship? She won't even hug me back Sad

OP posts:
Goldenbear · 05/03/2025 09:57

This is not meant in a judgemental way but stop the shouting ASAP, don't nag, even when there is a temptation to e.g. spilt drinks, messy room etc. be genuinely interested in what is happening in her life. Do you take her out anywhere, shopping together, gallery, cinema etc.?

ThisSituationNeedsToChange · 05/03/2025 11:25

I know we have to stop shouting. Our tolerance is low and most of the shouting is when we feel time pressure and things need to get done.
I'm not sure how to avoid this as Dd never listens the first few times so it gets to the stage when I start shouting.
I've always taken her out but not often just us. It's usually with family or friends.

OP posts:
latetothefisting · 05/03/2025 12:54

why not ask her? She's old enough to understand, and modelling acknowledging you've made some mistakes, wanting to put them right, but accepting it will take time and work from everyone is a good example to set, rather than 'we will wave a magic wand over the past and everything will be perfect from now on without ever discussing what was wrong in the first place.'

Sit her down, tell her what you've said here, acknowledge that you haven't always reacted perfectly (but that her behaviour also has some impact) and ask her how she thinks things could be better - maybe you can agree some household rules 'Mum won't nag me about things like making my bed or my room being a bit messy but I won't ever leave dirty mugs/plates in my room, and will put the hoover over once a week.' Or 'Dad will stop telling me to go to bed at a certain time but I will make sure my phone is always on the landing/in the kitchen/wherever by 10pm.' Amended regarding what the battle points are in your specific household.

Ask her to suggest things she might like to do together - could be going out to do stuff, could be at home (baking, going for a walk etc). Be prepared that she might not want to be 'seen' out and about with you -but that could be a 13 year old thing, not a sign of relationship breakdown thing. Even if she wants to go with other people, not just you, take that for now. Most teens won't say no to going shopping (for things for them!) and a starbucks, as a starting point.

Depending on your tolerance some sort of activity that gets you all working together and interacting/laughing/even being a bit scared is great for bonding - something like go ape or coasteering. As long as you can swim paddleboarding is easy to pick up if you do an intro course on a lake on a calm day. Or if everything active is really a no then maybe something creative instead - soap/candle making workshop/baking class? Basically something completely new and out of your comfort zone so you break out of your established dynamics a tiny bit.

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