I am starting to be frustrated with my grandparents. I hate it when my grandmother fusses at me, and my step-grandfather is constantly checking on me. It annoys me a lot. How can I get them to stop?
– Mark*

Overprotective parents and grandparents can be frustrating. You're growing older and developing your own identity, and sometimes this maturation happens before the adults in your life are prepared to deal with it.

When your grandparents (and parents) are always in your business, it can feel like they don't trust you. One of the best ways to establish trust and gain some independence is to talk openly with your grandparents about how you feel. Find out where they are coming from — you may get a few "back in the day" comments, but you will also gain some understanding of why they're acting the way they are. Hopefully then you can find some middle ground to agree on. Dealing with conflict in a mature way will help show that you are ready for increased levels of trust and responsibility.

For more information, check out these articles:
Why Do I Fight With My Parents So Much?
Talking to Your Parents — or Other Adults

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: August 2006

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.