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. Their fussing is likely because they love you and worry about you.

But 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 build a track record of acting responsibly.

Another way is to talk openly with your grandparents about how you feel. Find out where they're coming from, and what they're worried about. Discuss with them how you plan to deal with things they're concerned about. Dealing with conflict in a mature way will help show that you are ready for increased levels of trust and responsibility.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: May 2009

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.