Manny Pascual Cuevas On: Why Gen Z Struggles to Open Up to Parents and Turns to Friends Instead

The Generation Gap: Why Talking to Parents Is Hard

Cultural factors like “hiya” (shame) and respect for parental authority can discourage open dialogue about mental health. Parents may also unintentionally dismiss or downplay issues, leaving young people feeling unheard.

Friends as Safe Spaces

With mental health stigma still prevalent, Gen Z finds comfort in peers who better understand their language, experiences, and pressures. Friends provide empathy, validation, and shared experiences that can feel more immediate and genuine.

The Impact of Parental Absence

Many Filipino youth grow up with parents working abroad or busy with work, which can deepen the emotional distance. This absence may make it even harder for youth to turn to their parents for close support.

Mental Health Awareness Among Gen Z

Despite difficulties with parents, Gen Z is more open about mental health than previous generations. They seek therapy, counseling, and use social media to destigmatize mental health conversations.

How Gen Z Can Feel More Comfortable Opening Up to Parents

• Choose the Right Moment

  Find a calm, private time to talk when both you and your parent are relaxed and free from distractions.

  
  

• Start Small

  Begin with sharing smaller feelings or everyday experiences to build trust in conversations before diving into heavier topics.

  
  

• Be Patient

  Understand that opening up is a process for both you and your parents; it might take multiple attempts to communicate fully.

  
  

• Ask for Their Support

  Clearly express that you want them to listen and support you, rather than immediately offering solutions or advice.

How Parents Can Listen Gently When Their Child Opens Up

• Be Present and Patient

  Give your full attention, avoid interrupting, and allow your child to express themselves at their own pace.

  
  

• Validate Feelings

  Acknowledge their emotions even if you don’t fully understand; saying “I hear you” or “That sounds tough” goes a long way.

• Avoid Immediate Judgment or Solutions

  Resist the urge to criticize or fix the problem right away; sometimes, children just need to be heard.

• Ask Open-Ended Questions

  Gently encourage more sharing with questions like “How did that make you feel?” or “What can I do to help?”

• Create a Safe Space

  Reassure your child that their feelings are safe with you, and maintain confidentiality to build trust.

How Manny Pascual Cuevas Supports Filipino Gen Z

Manny offers empath wellness consults and psychotherapy sessions tailored to the unique challenges of Filipino youth. His services bridge communication gaps, helping families and individuals build understanding and emotional resilience. Opening up to parents can be tough for Gen Z due to cultural norms and emotional distance, but peer support is helping to fill that gap. With growing awareness and professional help like Manny Pascual Cuevas’ counseling, Filipino youth can find healthier ways to express and heal.