How to Show Appreciation to Your Parents: 5 Simple Ways to Say Thanks
Many parents say one of their biggest regrets is not slowing down and simply enjoying more time with their kids.
We often hear parents say something like, “The time went by too fast,” or, “I wish I wasn’t so busy when my children were young.”
Guess what? Those sentiments don’t go away as our parents get older. In fact, we might soon realize that we feel the same way about them.
As adults, we’re busy with our careers, our hobbies, and maybe even raising our own families. Too many people realize too late that they didn’t take the time (or don’t know how to show appreciation) to their parents.
Don’t let this happen to you. Take a moment to read this article about ways to show appreciation and gratitude for parents.
1. Spend Time with Them
It’s been said that the greatest gift you can give someone is your time, and that’s so true. Time is the one thing that’s impossible to slow down, change, or reverse.
There’s no doubt your parents wish you’d been able to spend more quality time together when you were young. Why not honor their wishes now by making it a point to spend time with them now that you’re all adults?
No matter how busy your schedule is, you can find ways to make time for your parents. Give them a call on your lunch break and chat for a few minutes. Treat them to brunch on Sunday morning or take them out for dinner and a movie.
Stop by on your way home to work to see how their day was and if they need anything. And while we’re on the topic of stopping by…
2. Do Practical Things Around the House
As your parents get older, they’re likely to need more help with everyday tasks. There’s nothing wrong with hiring a handyman or a caregiver to help them out, but if it’s within your power, could you sometimes be the handyman or the caregiver?
When you’re visiting your folks, take mental note of the condition of their home. Could it benefit from a deep cleaning or some basic repair work? Is the lawn often overgrown? When’s the last time they took their car in for an oil change or a tune-up?
Offering to help with these simple tasks is one of the best ways to show appreciation and gratitude for parents. If yours are the type to object to help, why not surprise them and let them come home to find your handiwork already done?
3. Give Them Your Full Attention
Does it irritate you when you’re trying to talk to your kids and they’re glued to their phone or the television? Guess what—that same behavior irritates your parents too.
As much as possible, put down your phone when you’re spending time with your parents. Show them love and consideration by listening attentively to what they have to say.
Ask them for advice or their opinion on things. Even if you disagree, they’ll be touched that you respect them enough to want their opinion. And no matter how many times they tell the same stories (especially as they get older), have the patience to listen again.
4. Write a Letter or Make a Scrapbook
Your parents are from the generation who sat down and wrote letters by hand. Why not bring back warm memories for them by sending them a handwritten letter?
Think of specific memories you cherish from your childhood. Acknowledge and thank them for how hard they worked to provide for you—even if they didn’t always get it right. If they’re religious, maybe include the words of their favorite scripture, verse, or prayer in your letter.
Need more inspiration? Check out a list of Mother’s Day quotes or short poems to include in your letter.
Another great way to show appreciation is to surprise them with a family scrapbook. Gather old photos of the family (yes, even ones of you with that awful haircut) and piece them together in an old-fashioned photo album. Even if you’re not the artsy type, you can bet your parents will treasure that gift and look through it often.
5. Include Them in Trips & Activities
Last up on our list of how to show appreciation for your parents is including them in your plans whenever possible.
As we age, many people struggle with feelings of worthlessness or feel they don’t have much to offer the younger generation. Reassure them that they’re still valued, loved, and appreciated by inviting them along on some of your activities.
Does your dad love to fish? Take him fishing for the weekend, just the two of you. Is your mom the type to never spoil herself? Treat her to lunch and a pedicure.
For the ultimate expression of appreciation, invite your folks along on your next family getaway. They’ll love the chance to spend quality time with you and the grandkids.
Remember, they won’t be around forever. Take time now to show them appreciation and you’ll all have beautiful memories to treasure for years to come.
Now You Know How to Show Appreciation
It can be challenging to know how to show appreciation to our parents. Even when the warm feelings are there, we don’t always know how to transfer those feelings to words or actions.
Use the tips above to show gratitude for parents. Help them with practical things around the house, and give them your full attention when you spend time together. Include them in your plans whenever possible, and creating a scrapbook or sending a handwritten letter is sure to touch their hearts.
Most importantly, remember that your time is often the greatest gift you can give, especially as they grow older. They were always there for you when you were young, so now it’s your turn to be there for them!
Did you enjoy this article? Be sure to browse the rest of our site for more family-related advice.
