It is possible to maintain a relatively pleasant relationship with emotionally immature parents by establishing and maintaining firm boundaries. This approach enables individuals to avoid becoming entangled in their parents’ immature demands. Rather than resorting to complete severance of ties—which can be a significant decision—consider taking breaks if the parent's behavior is destructive to your well-being. Actively communicating limits, even in awkward ways, is crucial; repetitive insistence on boundaries can discourage emotional manipulation from these parents, who often expect compliance following initial resistance. The instinct to grant leeway to parents stems from childhood fears, as children often feel physically and emotionally dwarfed and dependent on their parents for survival. Recognizing this fear allows for the understanding that it impacts adult-child dynamics and underlines the necessity of ongoing boundary enforcement, despite the emotional difficulty it may present.