7 signs your adult child’s respect for you is fading (even if they won’t say it)

Life as a parent doesn’t come with a manual. We navigate through each stage hoping we’re doing our best for our children.

But, here’s a secret: just as we grow and evolve, so does our relationship with our kids—especially when they transition into adulthood.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Are you noticing a shift in your adult child’s behavior towards you? Perhaps it’s subtle, or maybe it’s glaringly obvious—but they’re certainly not coming forward to discuss it.

So, if you’re asking yourself “Is my adult child losing respect for me?” this article might offer some insights.

We’ve tapped into psychology, tech trends, and even business principles to identify seven signs that your adult child’s respect may be fading—without them uttering a word about it.

While these signs aren’t definitive proof (every relationship is unique), they could help in understanding the dynamics better.

And remember: perceived respect isn’t a measure of your success as a parent or entrepreneur, but an opportunity to strengthen your bond.

Let’s dive right in.

1) They’re dismissive of your advice

Here’s the first red flag.

Are you finding that your adult child often dismisses your advice? Maybe they roll their eyes or respond with an indifferent “Sure, whatever”.

They might even cut you off mid-sentence, subtly implying they’ve had enough of what you’re saying.

It’s a tough pill to swallow.

As parents, we’re wired to guide our children, even when they’re adults. But if your advice is consistently met with dismissal, it could indicate that their respect for your opinion is waning.

Here’s the kicker.

It’s not just about them ignoring your advice on personal matters.

If they’re dismissing your insights about technology trends or business strategies—areas where you have expertise—it’s an even stronger sign.

But remember, it doesn’t define you as a parent or a person.

It’s simply an opportunity to understand their perspective and work towards improving your relationship.

2) They’re becoming increasingly secretive

Let me share a personal story with you.

A few months ago, I noticed that my daughter, who’s normally quite open with me, was becoming increasingly secretive.

She’d often change the subject when I asked about her work or her weekend plans.

And when I tried to dig deeper, she’d shut down the conversation with a curt “It’s nothing, really.”

It felt like a punch in the gut.

As parents, we want to be involved in our adult children’s lives—not to control or dictate their actions, but to understand, guide, and support them.

But when they start keeping secrets or become less transparent about their life, it can be a sign that they’re losing respect for your opinions or judgments.

The silver lining?

I used this as an opportunity to communicate better and understand her need for independence. And guess what? It worked wonders for our relationship.

3) There’s a shift in their body language

Have you noticed a change in their body language when you’re around?

A sudden lack of eye contact, crossed arms, or a constant need for physical distance? These non-verbal cues can be quite telling.

Body language is a powerful tool.

It communicates what words often fail to express. And if your adult child is consistently displaying defensive or closed-off body language around you, it could signal a fading respect.

Here’s what I mean.

Imagine walking into a room and your child immediately puts some distance between the two of you, or they seem to avoid eye contact more than usual. It’s as if an invisible wall has sprung up between you and them.

It’s gut-wrenching, I know.

But it’s important to remember not to take it personally. This could merely be their way of asserting independence or expressing discomfort around a certain topic.

The key is to approach these situations with patience and understanding.

To put it simply: observe, don’t judge.

4) They’re challenging your decisions more often

Are your conversations turning into a battleground of opinions more often than not?

Here’s what I mean.

Your adult child may start to question or challenge your decisions—sometimes gently, other times more aggressively.

Maybe they’re questioning your business strategies or doubting your take on the latest tech trends. It might even spill over into personal choices like your diet or weekend plans.

It’s confusing and disheartening.

We’re conditioned to think that as parents and experienced professionals, our wisdom should be respected.

But seeing our adult children challenge this wisdom could indicate a decline in their respect for us.

However, there’s a silver lining.

Challenges can lead to healthy debates, ultimately strengthening your bond. The trick is to navigate these waters with grace, openness, and respect for their opinions too.

After all, they’re adults charting their own course in the world.

5) They’re less responsive to your calls and messages

Are your texts and calls going unanswered more frequently? Or does it seem like it takes them ages to respond? This could be another sign.

If your adult child is regularly slow to respond, or worse, ignoring your calls and messages altogether, it could be a subtle sign of diminished respect.

But wait, there’s more.

It’s not just about the response time. Also pay attention to the quality of their responses.

Are they enthusiastic or barely meeting the minimum requirement of politeness?

This can be equally telling.

However, stay calm.

Everyone has busy lives and sometimes, delayed responses might just be a result of that.

The key here is consistency—if unresponsiveness becomes a pattern, it might be time to address the issue.

6) They’re avoiding spending time with you

This one can be tough to spot.

Ever found yourself in a situation where your adult child is constantly dodging your dinner invitations, or they always seem too busy to catch up over coffee? It can feel like a blow, I know.

Here’s the thing.

As our children grow into adults, it’s natural for them to want to spend more time nurturing their own lives—building careers, starting families, or exploring their individuality.

If they’re consistently avoiding spending time with you, it could be a sign that their respect for you is fading.

But don’t lose heart.

This doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. It’s just a signal for you to reassess and perhaps find new ways to connect.

Remember, respect is mutual and sometimes it requires a fresh approach to rebuild it. You’ve got this!

7) They disregard your feelings

Here’s the bottom line.

If your adult child is consistently disregarding your feelings—making decisions that they know would upset you, or brushing off your emotional responses—it might be the most glaring sign that their respect for you is fading.

We all have moments of insensitivity, but when it becomes a pattern, it’s a cause for concern.

After all, respect is fundamentally about valuing another’s feelings, experiences, and opinions. If these are being persistently overlooked, it’s time to address the elephant in the room.

There you have it. The seven signs that may indicate your adult child’s respect for you is fading.

These signs are not definitive. They’re merely indicators to help you better understand your relationship dynamics.

And most importantly, a chance to foster a stronger bond with your adult child.

The final thought

Recognizing these signs in your relationship with your adult child can feel challenging, even disheartening.

But here’s the silver lining: awareness is the first step to change.

If you’re noticing these signs, it’s a chance for you to reassess and rebuild the bond with your adult child. It’s an opportunity to step back, reflect, and understand their perspective.

Change doesn’t happen overnight.

Be patient with yourself and your child. The process of rebuilding respect is like a dance—it requires grace, understanding, and time.

It’s about finding a new rhythm that syncs with your evolving relationship.

Remember: respect is a two-way street.

As much as you want your adult child to respect you, it’s equally important for you to respect their journey into adulthood, their independence, and their own unique way of navigating the world.

Take this moment to reflect on your relationship with your adult child. It could be the starting point of a stronger, more respectful bond between you both.

And in this journey of understanding and growth, you might just discover a new facet of your relationship—and yourself.