Is It Okay to Ignore Your Parents? The Emotional Struggle Explained

The Emotional Tug-of-War: Why You Might Feel the Need to Ignore Them

Honestly, ignoring your parents can feel like a tug-of-war, right? On one side, you’ve got the pressure to be respectful, to honor them (as the old saying goes), and on the other, there's your own need for space, independence, or just... peace. We've all been there. Whether you're dealing with a controlling parent or simply craving some alone time, the idea of ignoring them might seem like a valid escape. But, is it really okay?

I remember when I first moved out of my parent's house. I was so eager for independence, like really craving it. And there were times I just didn't feel like talking to them at all. Was it a form of rebellion? Or just an attempt to regain control over my own life? Honestly, it was a bit of both.

When Is It Okay to Ignore Your Parents?

1. Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Personal Space

At some point, you realize that it's not only okay to set boundaries, but it's essential. I remember a conversation I had with a friend about this. He had just moved back in with his parents after college, and the tension was unreal. They constantly hovered over him, and he didn’t know how to create space without feeling guilty. I told him, "Dude, you have the right to your own life, even if you're under their roof."

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you ignore them permanently, but it does mean that sometimes, you need a break. And that’s okay. Everyone needs personal space, even from those they love the most. When it feels like their constant presence or control is overwhelming, it’s not just natural to take a step back, it’s necessary for your mental health.

2. When the Relationship Becomes Toxic

Well, this is a tough one. I’ve had some friends who, unfortunately, had parents who didn’t just "hover" but became toxic—whether through constant criticism, manipulation, or even emotional blackmail. Ignoring them in such situations is sometimes the only healthy option.

If you’re in a situation where every conversation leaves you feeling drained or emotionally harmed, it’s not just acceptable to ignore them—it’s a form of self-preservation. But here’s the tricky part: this doesn’t mean shutting them out forever. Sometimes, it means taking a temporary break to regain your emotional balance.

3. Finding a Balance Between Respect and Independence

Actually, ignoring your parents doesn't always mean a permanent rift. My own experience has shown me that it’s more about finding a balance between maintaining respect and asserting your own independence. For instance, when I started my own career, I found myself needing to say no to some of their unsolicited advice. I mean, they had my best interests at heart, but sometimes, I just needed to do things my way. Ignoring them in those moments wasn’t about disrespect—it was about making my own decisions.

What Happens When You Ignore Your Parents?

1. The Guilt Factor: Is It Normal?

Honestly, you might feel guilty at first. And that’s okay. I used to think, "Oh no, I'm being a bad child." But here's the thing—guilt doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong. It’s more about adjusting to a new dynamic in your relationship. You’re growing, and so is your relationship with your parents.

However, if you constantly feel guilty every time you take some space, that’s worth reflecting on. Why do you feel that way? Is it because your parents are making you feel bad, or because you’re struggling to let go of old patterns? This is something I've had to explore within myself, and it's been a big learning curve.

2. Rebuilding the Relationship: How to Reconnect After Ignoring Them

So, let’s say you’ve had your break. Maybe you ignored them for a while. Now, the real question is, how do you reconnect without things feeling weird or strained? Here’s the thing: if you’ve taken the time to reflect and set healthy boundaries, reaching out won’t feel like a "failure." It will feel like an opportunity to rebuild.

One thing that worked for me was sending a text that simply said, "Hey, I’ve been a little distant, but I’d love to catch up soon." It was simple, but it opened the door to reconnecting. Sometimes, all it takes is acknowledging the distance and showing you're ready to bridge it.

The Real Question: Does Ignoring Your Parents Mean You Don’t Love Them?

Well, no, it doesn’t mean you don’t love them. In fact, you might love them more because you’ve learned to assert yourself. It's when you stop ignoring your own needs that things get complicated. If you're constantly suppressing your own emotions and desires just to please them, that’s a problem. Ignoring your parents now and then, for your own mental space or emotional health, doesn't erase the love you feel for them. It simply means you’re human.

Conclusion: The Fine Line Between Ignoring and Respecting

In the end, it’s okay to ignore your parents if it’s for the sake of your well-being or independence. It's not about disrespect; it’s about creating the necessary space to grow as an individual. But, remember, it's a balance. You can ignore them to take a breather, but make sure that doesn’t turn into permanent silence. The key is to communicate, reflect, and find ways to reconnect.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember: it’s not about ignoring them forever. It’s about finding your space, respecting yourself, and giving yourself permission to grow.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.