When Silence Speaks: Why Your Adult Child Isn't Texting Back
Briefly

An adult child's failure to respond to texts often causes pain for parents, but this response can be more about self-preservation than a lack of love. Many parents mistakenly interpret silence as punishment rather than a protective measure. Effective communication should focus on understanding and curiosity, rather than anxiety or pressure. Parents should aim to build trust through supportive messages, allowing their children the space to experience life and grow, even when their choices differ. Moving from anxiety-driven texting to connection can improve relationships.
Parents often feel hurt when adult children do not reply to texts, interpreting silence as a lack of care, when it may actually reflect the child's need for self-preservation.
Gentle curiosity in texts can strengthen trust between parents and adult children, making communications more effective and reducing the tension typically associated with unanswered messages.
The lack of responses from adult children can stem from their need to avoid perceived judgment or pressure, highlighting the importance of understanding their perspective rather than taking it personally.
Parenting adult children involves recognizing their desire for autonomy and the potential anxiety in communication, which calls for a shift towards connection rather than anxiety-driven outreach.
Read at Psychology Today
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