No matter how old you are, it always feels good to show your parents how much they mean to you. Whether you haven’t seen them in a while, are going through a rough patch with them, or just want to make them feel loved and appreciated, there are plenty of simple ways to demonstrate your love for them.
Remember that your parents are human too, and they will almost certainly appreciate you showing them just a fraction of the love and care that they showed you as you grew up. That being said, every child-parent relationship is built differently, so use your own judgment to determine what the best way of showing love is for you.
Here are 3 of the easiest and most effective ways to show love for your parents and further strengthen your relationship with them.
Spend Time with Them
One of the biggest regrets that most children likely have is not spending enough quality time with their parents. This is especially the case if a parent has passed away.
Make some time on a quiet weekend to visit your parents. Sit and talk with them for a few minutes over a cup of coffee. Take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant or cafe. Watch a new movie with them, or check out a new store in town. Invite them to a baseball or hockey game if they are into sports — these events in particular are a great choice for bonding with family.
My dad and I were huge fans of the New York Mets and Islanders while I was growing up, and he would sometimes surprise me with tickets to a game. I vividly remember going to a hockey game with him back when I was 11 years old—it was between the Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. My dad and I lost our voices screaming when the Islanders won in overtime, and all of Nassau Coliseum exploded in cheers in a night that I’ll never forget. It was an unspoken moment of bonding between us, a moment of love that will always stay firmly implanted in my mind.
Just being with him for that awesome game brought us together like never before, and made me feel loved as his son. Simply spending time with your parents, no matter how long it’s for, will hopefully make them feel respected and appreciated.
Buy (or Make) Them a Gift
Another way of showing your parents love that can never be underestimated is giving them a thoughtful gift. This will especially ring true if your parents are a bit older.
Head out to the nearest store and get them a new coffee mug, a comfy T-shirt for their favorite TV show, or some fuzzy slippers for those rainy Sunday mornings. Whatever you feel like your parents will enjoy the most, go out and buy it for them! Even better if it’s something that they don’t talk to you much about—this will show them that you actually listen to them, and care about what they have to say.
A lot of parents will also appreciate a homemade gift just as much as a store-bought one, maybe even more so. Write them a homemade card if a holiday or birthday is coming up—my mother was a huge fan of those. Draw or paint a family photograph if you like making art. If they have a sweet tooth, try baking them their favorite dessert (even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen).
These may seem like small, insignificant gestures at first glance, but the reality is that you don’t have to buy your parents a new car or house whenever you want to showcase your love for them. It’s the little things in life that can truly tug a parent’s heartstrings and move them emotionally, especially if they are on the older end of the spectrum.
Talk to Your Parents
Sit down and chat about anything—your dreams, hobbies, what TV shows you’ve been meaning to start, jobs, anything. If you are far away from your parents and can’t see them in person, then make sure to give them a call at least once a week. Schedule a time when they’re free, give them a ring, and talk for however long you want.
I remember calling my parents every week when I was in college, and it made me feel at peace knowing they were ok. They were always so happy to hear my voice, especially my dad.
If you are on the younger side, don’t be afraid to talk to them about important issues, if you have a good enough relationship with your parents. They will appreciate that you have the courage and understanding to have mature conversations. Plus, it will help you to understand and connect with them on a more personal level, one that goes beyond just the parent-child dynamic.
And of course, remember to say “I love you” at the end of every day, at the end of every phone call or video chat. Never take your parents for granted, and enjoy every moment with them to the fullest.
They won’t be around forever, unfortunately, so following the steps above and showing that you love them will make everyone feel much happier in the long run.
