How to Convince Your Mother to Stay out of It
If your meddling mom is driving you crazy with her nose constantly in your business, take these steps to get her off your back once and for all.
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You Will Need
- Emotional control
- Acknowledgment
- Sense of humor
- Specific example
- Catchphrase
- Willingness to occasionally ask her advice
- Adroitness at changing the subject (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Stay in control
Resist the urge to lash out at her every time she gives unwanted advice. It'll just reinforce the same old power-struggle pattern.
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Step 2
Acknowledge her advice
Acknowledge her advice by saying "thanks" or "good to know." Follow up by calmly telling her that all her unsolicited advice makes you feel like nothing you do is good enough -- ask for some credit.
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Step 3
Make a joke
Make a joke next time she butts in. If she wants you to do something you'd rather not, give her a witty line that makes light of the situation.
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Step 4
Use an example
Use a specific example where a friend or family member criticized her to illustrate that no one likes unwanted advice.
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Step 5
Repeat a catchphrase
Come up with a catchphrase and repeat it exactly every time she butts in. She'll then expect the phrase and possibly avoid saying anything at all.
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Become a master of changing the subject.
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Step 6
Ask her advice
Ask her advice every now and then. If she feels needed and appreciated, maybe she'll lighten up.
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The term "heliopter parent" describes a parent who hovers over their children and become too involved in their lives, especially at school.
