Thank you for your question. First, it’s importantto understand that this is a normal part ofgrowing up. When we are young, our parents are the centre of our universe and we cling to themall the time. However, when we enter our teenage years,our parents and younger siblings don’tseem to be as relevantand this is where the relationship may start to fray. As we enter our mid-to-late teens or early adulthood, we find ourselves returning to the support of our parents. Inorder to keep the relationship alive when we start to feel that drift happening, here are some waysto rekindle the friendship:

● Share stories about your life, what happened at school or something funny you readonline or a post on Instagram that you found interesting. Dinner time is a great time tohave these conversations.

● Ask your parents about their childhood, their teenage years, their struggles. Perhaps goout for a coffee with them when having these conversations.

● Be present. Rather than staying in your room or the basement or outside—make it a pointto sit in the sameroom as your parent(s) and just be there. You can read a book, or catchup on social media, or do some homework—being in the same physical space is often apowerful way to remain connected without words.

● Naseeha, sincere advice, is among the rights Muslims have upon each other. So seekNaseeha from your parents or give Naseeha to your parents—look for opportunities, asthis will build trust and reliance in your relationship with your parent(s).