There is a unique bond between parents and their adult children. It is a bond that goes beyond the obligatory family ties and delves into the realms of deep trust.
It’s not always easy to discern the depth of this trust. However, there are clear signs that your adult children show when they trust you deeply.
It’s not about them blindly following your advice or agreeing with everything you say. It’s more about them feeling safe enough to open up, be vulnerable, and seek your wisdom in their life choices.
In this article, we’ll identify eight things your adult children do that indicate they trust you deeply. These aren’t just random acts, but meaningful signs that reflect the strength of your relationship.
1) They Ask for Your Advice
It’s a common occurrence in life. When we’re faced with pivotal decisions, we often turn to those we trust most for guidance.
When your adult children come to you for advice, it’s not a sign that they’re incapable of making decisions on their own. Rather, it’s an indication of the deep trust they place in your wisdom and judgment.
However, it’s important to remember that giving advice isn’t about dictating their choices. It’s about offering them a perspective that they may not have considered and giving them the tools to make informed decisions.
Asking your adult children for advice shows that they value your ideas and see you as a trusted source of guidance. It’s a powerful sign of trust and one that strengthens the unique parent-child bond into adulthood.
2) They Share Their Failures
We all stumble along the journey of life. However, not everyone feels comfortable sharing their mistakes or failures.
I remember when my son, fresh out of college, landed his first job. He was excited and ready to take on 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 struggles and seeking comfort. That’s when I realized how much he trusted me. He felt safe enough to share his failures, knowing that I wouldn’t judge him and would provide the support he needed.
When your adult children willingly share their vulnerabilities and struggles with you, it’s a powerful sign of the deep trust they have in you. They don’t just see you as a parent, they also see you as a haven in their turbulent times.
3) They Confide in You About Their Relationships
Relationships can be complicated, and navigating them can often be a delicate task.
When your adult children confide in you about their relationships, it signals a high level of trust. They trust your judgment, knowing that you won’t reveal their secrets to others.
Interestingly, a study 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 conversation about their love life, it’s a testament to the strong bond and trust they share with you.
4) They Express Their Fears and Concerns
Fear and anxiety are two parts of life that we all deal with. Being able to express these concerns is often what brings relief.
If your adult children share their fears and concerns with you openly, it’s an important indicator of their deep trust in you. They believe you can provide comfort, reassurance, and perhaps even solutions.
This openness not only reflects their trust but also shows that they see you as a pillar of strength in their lives. It’s not easy to discuss one’s concerns, but the fact that they choose to do so with you shows the depth of trust they share with you.
5) They Invite You Into Their Personal Space
There’s something inherently 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 to visit. It’s an invitation into their lives and their world. It’s their way of expressing that 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 acknowledgment of their trust in you. And in my opinion, there’s nothing more poignant 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 her dream of becoming a writer with me. She was nervous, unsure of how I would react. But she trusted me enough to share this vulnerable part of herself, her inner ambition.
When your adult children share their dreams and aspirations with you, it’s a clear sign that they deeply trust you. They trust you because they believe in your support, encouragement, and belief in their abilities. It’s a trust that goes beyond superficial conversations and goes deep 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 career choices, financial decisions, or life-changing events, it’s a clear sign that they deeply trust you.
They’re not just asking 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 expected.
When your adult children turn to you in times of crisis, it is the most profound sign of their trust. They rely on you for strength, comfort, and guidance, believing that you will be there for them no matter what.
This willingness to be vulnerable, to allow you to see them at their lowest, is perhaps the most powerful expression of trust. It shows that they consider you their haven, their anchor in the storm. This level of trust is not built overnight but is the result of years of mutual love, understanding, and respect.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Connection
The bond between parents and their adult children is a dynamic, evolving one. It’s not just about shared history or family ties; it’s about connection, understanding, and most importantly, trust.
Trust is not a quality that is handed down; it’s something that grows over time, nurtured by honesty, respect, and ongoing support.
The signs of trust we’ve discussed are not random acts but meaningful signals of a deep-rooted belief. It reflects a bond built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and unconditional love.
Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through.” This is especially true when navigating a complex relationship with your adult children.
By understanding and respecting their individuality, supporting them in their aspirations and failures, and by being there for them in their times of crisis, you pave the way for a 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.
