https://unsplash.com/photos/P5c4cgJgg3g
There may come a time when your parents or parents need to change their current situation to make it easier for you and other family members to get to them in an emergency. This could come after the passing of an elderly relative or an injury. It could also be due to having a new child or recent retirement. Whatever the reason, it can sometimes be challenging to convince your parents that the change is necessary, especially if they have a reputation for stubbornness. A stubborn parent can make things more challenging than they need to be, which is why it’s so important to work positively with them.
Know When to Pick Your Battles
Picking your battles is important in any scenario. You don’t want to spend the mental energy arguing over something that, in the long run, won’t make a difference at all. Instead, you are better off considering which battles are more likely to push them towards the solution that’s best for them. If you know what arguments you can afford to lose, your stubborn parents may be more likely to accommodate other requests. When it comes to making significant changes, this could be a useful trump card to have in your pocket.
Remain Calm
More than anyone else, some parents just know how to push your buttons. They have seen what aggravates you for years, giving them the ammo they need to get under your skin and frustrate you to the point that you give up entirely. You mustn’t allow this to happen, and controlling your frustration (or at least not showing your frustration) can help you maintain a positive relationship with your elderly parents. If you stay calm during discussions, you can make your points more clearly, which can help you show parents what you mean.
Ask for Their Opinion
It’s always useful to ask your parents’ opinions on important issues, especially when it surrounds their health. Too many adult children will think they know what’s best, which can conjure the stubbornness that is so frustrating. If you can get your parents’ opinion on what they want to do or how they feel, it will be easier to find a conclusion that suits both of you.
Get Backup
However, even getting their opinion doesn’t always work. If you feel like you can’t handle the discussion yourself, backup is essential. This could be from a sibling, child, or other relatives, especially if your parents are more likely to listen to them. But, this may not be enough, either. In this case, professionals, such as doctors and nurses or an assisted living consultant, could be the solution as they bring a level of authority and respect that your parents may respond to when compared to you trying to make them change their lifestyle.
Stubborn
Even though your parents are stubborn, they may still understand where you are coming from as long as you take the right approach. They do not want you to force them to do anything, and it is better to make them feel they made this decision all by themselves.
