What to Do when Your Child Quits Speaking to You

Being a parent can be very rewarding but there are times that it can be downright hard. Your child has their own personality; they can see things different then you do. So what do you do if your child decides they don't want to speak to you anymore? It can be rather shocking when your child zips it up whenever you come around on a long term basis. Most parents are used to their child not talking to them for short amounts of time but sometimes it can go on even longer. This article will give you a few tips on what you can do when your child wants you out of their life temporarily.

#1: Give Them Space

Sometimes all you can do is to give your children space. Give them some time to think on their own about whatever has happened with you. They may simply need some time to sort it out on their own. How much time depends on how long you're comfortable being in silence. If you don't live with your child, you might want to let a month go by but not any longer. The more time that goes by... the harder it can be to make it right when your child.

#2: Seek the Root of the Problem

You may not even know why your child has decided to quit talking to you. Seek the root of the problem so that you can decide on what to do. Did you unknowingly hurt their feelings? Is their silence simply a cry for help? There are several reasons why your child may not be speaking to you that you haven't even thought of. Once you find out why, you can go about working it out with your child.

#3: Go to Counseling

Does your relationship with your child seem like it is not going to improve? Then seek help. There is nothing wrong with counseling and in fact, it can bring problems to light that neither you nor your child was aware of. It can help you work through your issues and in the end, the two of you can understand each other better.

#4: Listen, Don't Judge

If your child has consented to tell you why they quit talking to you, listen to them and don't judge. Cutting in while they are talking is only going to make it worse between the two of you. Give your child a fair chance to explain their feelings without negative comments.

#5: Enforce Court Order

A child who lives with their other parent that has quit talking to you can be a tricky situation. If the other parent won't talk you either or won't help with the situation, then it is time to enforce a court order if you have one. If you have a custody agreement that says you get your child every other weekend, then enforce it. If they won't let the child go, go back to court and have the judge help you get your child back on your designated times.

#6: Don't Give Up

Giving up is one of the worse things that you can do. Never, ever give up on your child. They are worth fighting for. They are your child, you are their parent and you must act like one. Don't just assume that they'll talk to you when they are ready. That day may never come. Fight for them, don't give up. Let them know that you love them and that you are not giving up on them.