As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing your children, even as adults, genuinely enjoy your company.
However, in the hectic pace of adulthood, it isn’t always easy to determine if your grown kids are just fulfilling their duty or if they truly relish the time spent with you.
Psychology provides us with some insightful cues that can help decipher their sentiments.
These indicators range from their engagement in meaningful conversations to their eagerness in planning family gatherings.
In this article titled “9 things your adult children will do if they genuinely enjoy being around you, according to psychology”, we’ll explore these psychological hints so you can better understand your adult children’s feelings towards you.
1) They initiate contact
Initiating contact isn’t about the frequency of phone calls or the number of text messages exchanged in a day. It’s about the intent and the quality of interaction that matters.
If your adult children are genuinely happy being around you, they won’t wait for holidays or special occasions to get in touch.
They may share updates about their lives, ask for your advice, or just call to check on you.
They might even propose family activities or casual get-togethers to spend quality time with you.
This goes beyond obligatory contacts and shows a genuine desire to connect with you.
It’s also important to remember that everyone has their own means of communication and their own life pace.
The absence of constant contact doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t enjoy your company.
It’s the willingness and the quality of their interactions that truly matter.
2) They open up to you
Opening up to someone requires a level of trust and comfort that is only possible in positive and nurturing relationships.
If your adult children share their thoughts, dreams, fears, and even their failures with you, it’s a strong indicator that they enjoy your company and value your insights.
They may seek your guidance when faced with challenges or share their achievements with you, knowing you’d be genuinely happy for them.
This emotional vulnerability is a sign of deep respect and trust in the relationship. It shows that they not only see you as a parent but also as a confidant and friend.
Being privy to their emotions also comes with a responsibility.
It’s important to handle their openness with care, respect their trust, and provide the support they need without being judgmental or dismissive.
3) They challenge you
It might seem like a paradox, but if your adult children challenge your ideas or engage in healthy debates with you, it’s a good sign.
It means they respect you enough to consider your viewpoint and are comfortable enough to express their own.
They may question your beliefs, ask for your perspective on social issues, or even engage in friendly banter over favorite sports teams.
These intellectual exchanges demonstrate their interest in understanding your thoughts and values.
It’s not about winning an argument or changing each other’s minds.
It’s about sharing and learning from each other, fostering mutual respect and deepening the bond you share.
4) They express their frustrations
Reality isn’t always rosy, and neither are relationships, even ones between parents and their adult children.
If your kids feel comfortable enough to express their frustrations, disappointments, or even anger towards you, it’s actually a positive sign.
It’s not about being disrespectful or rude, but about feeling safe enough to communicate emotions that are less than pleasant.
They know that you’re strong enough to handle it, and they trust that voicing their feelings won’t result in a withdrawn love or support.
It’s important to respond with understanding and empathy rather than defensiveness. This honesty can pave the way for deeper connection and mutual respect.
5) They show empathy towards you
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. If your adult children exhibit empathy towards you, it’s a clear sign they cherish their relationship with you.
They may show concern for your well-being, offer help when you’re struggling, or just lend an ear when you need to vent.
They understand that even though you’re their parent, you also have your own struggles and challenges.
This kind of empathy is a sign of emotional maturity and a strong emotional bond.
It shows that they see you as a human being with your own needs and feelings, beyond just being their parent.
It is a testament to the mutual respect and care inherent in your relationship.
Sharing everyday experiences might seem mundane, but it’s a key indicator of a close-knit relationship.
If your adult children tell you about their day, discuss their plans, or even vent about the traffic on their commute, it’s because they value your presence in their lives.
These seemingly small conversations are an essential part of building and maintaining a strong relationship.
It shows they consider you a part of their day-to-day life, not just someone they turn to in times of crisis or celebration.
These shared moments are precious. They’re an invitation into their lives and a testament to the comfort and familiarity that exists between you.
Laughter is a universal language of connection, and shared humor is one of the sweetest bonds.
If your adult children share inside jokes with you, laugh at your quirky habits, or crack a smile at your corny jokes, it’s a sign they genuinely enjoy your company.
These light-hearted moments create a sense of camaraderie and shared history.
They show that your children not only respect you as a parent but also appreciate you as an individual with your own unique sense of humor.
These shared laughs are precious memories in the making. They add color to the relationship and create happy moments that both you and your children will cherish.
8) They set boundaries with you
Setting boundaries may seem like a step back, but it’s actually a sign of a healthy relationship.
If your adult children communicate their boundaries to you, it indicates they trust you to respect and understand their needs.
They might express their need for space, or communicate their preferences about how often they want to visit or be visited.
This isn’t rejection, but rather a way for them to maintain their independence while also maintaining a relationship with you.
Respecting these boundaries is crucial.
It’s a sign of mutual respect and understanding, and it shows that your adult children trust you enough to be honest and upfront about their needs.
9) They show you love and appreciation
The most meaningful sign that your adult children genuinely enjoy being around you is their expression of love and appreciation.
This may not always be in grand gestures or eloquent words, but in their own unique ways.
They might show appreciation for the little things you do, express gratitude for your support, or simply tell you they love you.
These expressions of affection are the ultimate testament to their feelings towards you.
Every child has their own language of love. It could be words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, or receiving gifts.
Recognizing their unique expressions of love will help you understand how deeply they value your presence in their lives.
Final thoughts
Being a parent to adult children comes with its own unique challenges and joys. But remember, just as you’ve grown and evolved over the years, so have your children.
This journey continues into their adulthood, where your role shifts from being a caretaker to being an advisor, a friend, and a confidant.
Understanding these nine signs is not about ticking off a checklist. It’s about deepening your understanding of your adult children’s feelings towards you.
These signs are not definitive proof of their affection but indicators of a deep and genuine connection.
If you notice these signs in your relationship with your adult children, take a moment to appreciate the bond you share.
If not, remember that every relationship is unique and evolves at its own pace. It’s never too late to build bridges and strengthen connections.
Finally, remember that this article isn’t meant to define your relationship with your adult children. Instead, it’s a gentle guide to understanding their actions and responses better.
In the end, what matters most is not how many of these signs you see, but the love, respect, and understanding that you share with your children.
Because, at the end of the day, it’s these values that truly enrich our lives and relationships.
