Set some ground rules. What you expect from them and what they can expect from you. Parents are more reasonable than you think. If they know you will keep your word, they will probably back off hounding you about stuff they think you should be doing. Maybe they have some expectations of you that you are unaware that they hold. Ground rules establish expectations and eliminate overbearing demands.
Tell them how you are spending your money. If they know you are being responsible, they are much more likely to help you with your needs. If they don’t know how you spend your money, they may be left with a feeling that you are squandering their assistance to you and facilitating irresponsible living.
Give them expectations about your whereabouts. Don’t leave them thinking you might be at a wild party when you are just hanging out with friends. As well, if they know you won’t be home until 2 AM, then they don’t have to worry about you.
Tell them that you appreciate certain things they do or have done for you. Appreciation goes a long way… but it may not come back in the short-run. You cannot lose in complimenting others.
Ask your friends if they think you treat your parents with respect. They may not be right but they may be able to give you another view.
Clean up your room once a week. We are not talking about a white glove inspection but just making the carpet visible. After all, your parents are probably the ones who own the room and have probably paid for most of the items in it. Keep this matter as a non-tension point. Your mom will appreciate being able to show ALL of the house to her visiting friends.
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