There’s a unique bond between parents and their adult children. It’s one that goes beyond the obligatory familial ties and delves into the realms of deep trust.
The depth of this trust isn’t always easy to discern. However, there are tell-tale signs your grown-up kids exhibit when they trust you profoundly.
It’s not about them blindly following your advice or agreeing with everything you say. It’s more about them feeling secure enough to open up, to show vulnerability, and to seek your wisdom in their life choices.
In this article, we will identify eight things your adult children do that indicate they trust you deeply. These aren’t just random actions but meaningful signals that reflect the strength of your relationship.
1) They seek your advice
It’s a common occurrence in life. When faced with pivotal decisions, we often turn to those we trust the most for guidance.
When your adult children come to you for advice, it’s not a sign of their inability to make decisions independently. Rather, it’s an indication of the deep trust they have in your wisdom and judgement.
Yet, it’s crucial to remember that giving advice doesn’t mean dictating their choices. It’s about providing a perspective they may not have considered, giving them the tools to make informed decisions.
Your adult children seeking your advice shows they value your thoughts and consider you a reliable source of guidance. It’s a powerful sign of trust, one that reinforces the unique bond between parent and child even into adulthood.
2) They share their failures
In the journey of life, we all stumble. But not everyone is comfortable sharing their missteps or failures.
I remember when my son, fresh out of college, landed his first job. He was excited and ready to conquer the world. But a few months later, he faced challenges at work that shook his confidence.
Instead of keeping it to himself, he came to me, expressing his struggle and seeking comfort. That’s when I realized how deeply he trusted me. He felt safe enough to share his failure, knowing I wouldn’t judge him but instead provide the support he needed.
When your adult children willingly share their lows and struggles with you, it’s a potent sign of the deep trust they have in you. They see you not just as a parent, but also as a safe harbor in their stormy times.
3) They confide in you about their relationships
Relationships can be complicated, and navigating them is often a delicate task.
When your adult children confide in you about their relationships, it indicates a high level of trust. They trust your discretion, knowing that you won’t spill their secrets to others.
Interestingly, a study conducted by the Family Process Institute found that adult children who discuss personal relationships with their parents tend to have healthier romantic relationships. So while it may seem like just a chat about their love life, it’s actually a testament to the strong bond and trust they share with you.
4) They express their fears and concerns
Fear and worry are parts of life we all deal with. It’s the ability to express these fears that often brings relief.
If your adult children openly share their fears and concerns with you, it’s a significant indication of their deep trust in you. They believe you can provide them with comfort, reassurance, and perhaps even solutions.
This openness not only reflects their trust but also shows they see you as a pillar of strength in their lives. It’s not an easy feat to discuss one’s worries, but the fact that they choose to do so with you illustrates the depth of trust they share with you.
5) They invite you into their personal space
There’s something innately intimate about inviting someone into your personal space, whether it’s your home, your circle of friends, or even your favorite hangout spot.
When your adult children invite you into these spaces, it’s not just an invitation for a visit. It’s an invitation into their lives, their world. It’s their way of saying they trust you enough to let you see them in their most authentic state.
This act is more than just a gesture. It’s a heartfelt statement, a silent confession of their trust in you. And in my opinion, there’s hardly anything more touching than that.
6) They are open about their dreams and aspirations
Dreams and aspirations are intimate parts of our lives. They reflect our deepest desires and hopes for the future.
My daughter once shared with me her dream of becoming a writer. She was nervous, unsure of how I would react. But she trusted me enough to share this vulnerable part of herself, her innermost ambition.
When your adult children reveal their dreams and aspirations to you, it’s a clear sign they trust you deeply. They confide in you because they believe in your support, encouragement, and faith in their capabilities. It’s a trust that goes beyond surface-level conversations, delving into the heart of their hopes and aspirations.
7) They value your opinion on important matters
We all have opinions, but not all of them carry the same weight in the eyes of others.
When your adult children actively seek your opinion on important matters, whether it’s about career choices, financial decisions, or life-changing events, it’s a clear sign of their deep trust in you.
They don’t just ask for your opinion out of courtesy. They genuinely value your insights and perspective. This level of respect and trust is a testament to the strong bond you’ve built over the years.
8) They turn to you in times of crisis
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, we find ourselves in situations we never anticipated.
When your adult children turn to you in these times of crisis, it’s the most profound sign of their trust. They lean on you for strength, solace, and guidance, believing that you’ll be there for them no matter what.
This willingness to be vulnerable, to let you see them at their lowest, is perhaps the most powerful manifestation of trust. It shows that they consider you their safe haven, their anchor in the storm. This level of trust is not built overnight but is the result of years of love, understanding, and mutual respect.
Final thoughts: It’s about connection
The bond between parents and their adult children is a dynamic, evolving relationship. It’s not just about shared history or familial ties; it’s about connection, understanding, and most importantly, trust.
Trust is not an attribute that is handed over; it’s something that grows over time, nurtured by honesty, respect, and consistent support.
The signs of trust we’ve discussed are not just random actions but meaningful signals of deep-rooted faith. They reflect a bond that’s been built on the foundation of shared experiences, mutual respect, and unconditional love.
Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through.” This rings especially true when navigating the intricate relationship with your adult children.
Through understanding and respecting their individuality, through supporting them in their aspirations and failures, through being there in their times of crisis, you pave the way for deep-rooted trust.
So if your adult children do these eight things, take a moment to appreciate the depth of trust they have in you. It’s not just a testament to your parenting but also to the beautiful relationship you’ve nurtured over the years.