Mending a relationship with your mom can be challenging, especially when there are disagreements about household responsibilities. Here are some steps you can take to improve your relationship:
Communication is key: Initiate an open and honest conversation with your mom. Let her know that you value the relationship and want to work together to improve it. Choose a calm and relaxed time to talk, free from distractions.
Active listening: When you talk, make sure to actively listen to her perspective as well. Try to understand her feelings and concerns, even if you may not fully agree at first.
Express your feelings: Share your own feelings and experiences, explaining the efforts you are putting into the housework and your job. Be assertive but respectful when you communicate your contributions.
Compromise: Seek a middle ground where both of you can feel satisfied with the division of chores and responsibilities. Perhaps you can create a schedule or task list together to ensure fairness and clarity.
Show appreciation: Recognize and appreciate the work she does around the house. Gratitude can go a long way in fostering a positive atmosphere.
Seek understanding: Try to understand any underlying reasons for her feelings of being overwhelmed or unappreciated. There may be other stressors in her life that are affecting her emotions.
Consider her perspective: Put yourself in her shoes and try to see things from her point of view. Understanding her perspective can help build empathy and find common ground.
Be patient: Healing a relationship takes time. Be patient and persistent in your efforts to improve the situation.
Offer help: While you may already be doing a lot, ask if there are specific tasks or areas where she would like more support. Sometimes, small gestures can make a big difference.
Set boundaries: Ensure there are clear boundaries and expectations for both of you. This can help prevent misunderstandings and arguments in the future.
Family activity: Engage in activities together that you both enjoy. Spending quality time can strengthen your bond and create positive memories.
Professional mediation: If you find it challenging to communicate effectively, consider seeking the help of a family counselor or mediator to facilitate a constructive conversation.
Remember, rebuilding a relationship takes effort from both sides. Be patient, kind, and consistent in your efforts to improve the situation. While you can't control your mom's response, you can control how you approach the situation and demonstrate your commitment to mending the relationship.