It’s safe to say that most parents want the best for their child, but there’s a point where they cross a line. That is when they try to change who their children are. Children are their own people and they shouldn’t be told how to think and feel.
People are either happy with the outcome of the election or disappointed. Parents might try to make their children feel bad for whomever they voted for or for liking either candidate.
One of the best things to do in this situation is to simply be unbothered when they tell you that your beliefs are wrong and that you should think and feel a certain way. Even if it’s hard at first, something that really helps eventually achieve this attitude is faking it until you make it.
“I think it’s safe to say most kids have definitely had a moment or two where their parents try to force some political view on their children — me included,” said Justin Franco, a student in the Applied Technology academy at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC).
“And whenever it happens I just try not to let it get to my head too much, parents come from a whole new generation which usually comes with a very different mindset. And as long as you remind yourself that, I think it’s easier to not let them pressure you into viewing a topic a certain way,” Franco continued.
A more diplomatic approach to this situation would be sitting down and having a one-on-one with your parents. However, the downside to this method is that they might not understand. The most important part is being consistent; meaning, don’t just sit down to talk to them once.
“When a parent tries to impose their views on me, my first action would be to sit them down and have a discussion about how trying to force me onto a political route is unethical and cynical. Having a thorough discussion and trying to solve our differences is the best way for both parties to respect and acknowledge one another,” said Jose Llanes, a student at Miami Lakes Technical College.
“Setting our differences aside and learning to accept one another despite opposing views is a great way to unite us both and resolve any political tension,” he continued.
A more subtle strategy is dropping hints that you see things from a different point of view. Over time, your parents will catch your drift and realize that they can’t change who you are.
“You have to drop subtle hints that you don’t want to hear it,” stated Kayla Cheung, an MLEC student in the Cambridge Academy.
Whatever technique you use, don’t let anybody try to change you — regardless of whether they’re a complete stranger or even your own parents.
