If your adult child feels proud to have you in their life, they’ll usually display these 7 subtle behaviors

Eliza Hartley by Eliza Hartley | January 22, 2025, 8:43 pm

Being a parent to an adult child is a unique journey, filled with pride, joy, and sometimes uncertainty. You may often wonder, does my adult child feel proud to have me in their life?

Well, there are subtle behaviors that can give you the answer.

These behaviors aren’t always loud declarations of admiration. Instead, they are quiet gestures and habits that show their respect and appreciation for you.

Understanding these signs can bring a sense of fulfillment and peace in your parental role.

In this article, we delve into these seven subtle behaviors that indicate your adult child is proud to have you in their life. Each behavior is an affirmation of your positive influence and a testament to the strong bond you share.

1) They seek your advice

One of the most significant signs that your adult child values you is when they seek your advice. This indicates a level of respect and trust in your judgment.

It’s a clear sign they appreciate the wisdom you’ve gathered over the years.

Often, this behavior manifests in various aspects of their life. They may ask for your input on career decisions, relationships, or even day-to-day dilemmas. When your adult child constantly turns to you for advice, it shows they view you as a reliable source of guidance and wisdom.

This doesn’t mean they’ll always follow your advice. Remember, they’re adults with their own autonomy. However, the fact that they value your perspective enough to seek it out speaks volumes about their respect for you.

2) They openly share personal details with you

Another behavior that indicates your adult child takes pride in having you in their life is their willingness to share personal details. Adult children often become more guarded as they seek independence and navigate adulthood.

However, if they’re regularly opening up to you about their life, it’s a strong sign of trust and respect.

This openness can include sharing about their personal triumphs, struggles, dreams, or fears. They may tell you about their new hobby, an argument with a friend, or a problem at work. This level of disclosure suggests they see you as a safe space and value your support.

Seeing you as more than just a parent but also as a confidant is indicative of the depth of your relationship. It’s a subtle but powerful sign of how much they value and respect you.

3) They initiate spending quality time with you

If your adult child often initiates spending quality time with you, it’s another subtle behavior that indicates their pride in having you in their life.

This isn’t about obligatory family gatherings or holidays, but rather about the moments they choose to share with you because they genuinely want to.

They might invite you to a movie, ask you to join them for a walk, or simply call to chat. These actions demonstrate that they value your company and enjoy spending time with you. This behavior signifies not just love, but a deep respect and a sense of pride in the relationship they share with you.

Taking the initiative to spend quality time together, without any particular reason or occasion, is a clear sign that your adult child feels proud to have you in their life.

4) They stand up for you

A powerful sign that your adult child takes pride in having you as a parent is when they stand up for you.

This might occur during a conversation where someone criticizes or disrespects you, and your child promptly comes to your defense.

This behavior signifies a deep respect for you and an acknowledgment of your worth. It’s their way of saying that they value you, your opinions, and your character. They’re not afraid to express their admiration for you, even if it means confronting others.

Standing up for a parent is, in essence, standing up for themselves too, since your values and teachings are ingrained in them. It’s a clear demonstration of their pride in being your child.

5) They express gratitude towards you

Expressing gratitude is an emotional behavior that reflects a person’s inner feelings of appreciation. If your adult child frequently expresses gratitude for your efforts, actions, or simply for who you are, it’s a clear signal of their pride in having you as a parent.

Gratitude can take many forms. It might be a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for a cooked meal, an appreciation for your advice, or acknowledgment of the sacrifices you’ve made.

These expressions of gratitude signify their recognition of your love and efforts as a parent.

This behavior is more than just good manners. It’s an affirmation that they see and appreciate your contributions to their life.

6) They respect your boundaries

Respecting boundaries is a fundamental aspect of any healthy relationship, including the one between you and your adult child. If they respect your boundaries, it reflects their understanding and appreciation of your individuality.

They might show this by respecting your personal space, time, and decisions. They understand that you have a life outside parenthood and respect your need for personal time or activities. This behavior indicates their maturity and the deep respect they have for you as an individual.

When your adult child respects your boundaries, it signifies their understanding of you as a separate entity with your own needs and desires. This respect is a clear indication of their pride in having you in their life.

7) They strive to make you proud

The final subtle behavior indicating that your adult child is proud to have you in their life is their consistent effort to make you proud. This behavior goes beyond seeking your approval; it’s about honoring the values and principles you’ve instilled in them.

They might strive for achievement in their personal or professional life, adhere to the moral values you’ve taught them, or simply live a life that reflects the positive influence you’ve had on them.

This desire to make you proud is a powerful testament to the respect and admiration they hold for you.

When your adult child strives to make you proud, it shows a deep understanding and appreciation of your efforts as a parent. It’s their way of acknowledging the positive impact you’ve had on their lives.

Interconnection of behaviors and their collective significance

Understanding that these behaviors are interconnected can provide a broader perspective on your relationship with your adult child. Each of these behaviors is a reflection of their respect, love, and pride in having you as a parent.

These signs collectively form a testament to the strong bond you have nurtured over the years.

However, remember that these behaviors may not always be evident or may manifest differently based on individual personalities and circumstances. Every child, even in adulthood, is unique and expresses their feelings in their own distinct way.

The key is to keep communication open and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding. In doing so, you’ll continue to strengthen the bond with your adult child, fostering a relationship that is both rewarding and fulfilling for both of you.

In the end, it’s about nurturing a relationship where both you and your adult child take pride in each other, shaping a bond that lasts a lifetime.