When we sit down to think about the sacrifices of our parents, a lot of us will realise that if not for them, we may have been long gone and forgotten. But because they first loved us and cared so much for our well-being, we can probably say we are who we are today. This is why it is important to also, in our own ways, return the favour, especially if they are no longer up to past capacities.
Your parents were at some point in your life the Villa that supported you, for this reason alone, they need you too now or later at some point. But you may often ask yourself questions like ‘ how exactly can I help my parents?’ Especially if you have a mom or dad who always appear all-sufficient for themselves.
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If it appears like there is nothing you can do for them without you or them having to ask first, below are 10 ways you can still show them that you love and care for them.
Spend Quality Time with Them
your mom can do almost all things for our self but she will still need you around. Your dad may act tough but gracing him with your presence can create a room for heartfelt discussions meaning finding time to spend quality time with your parents not only give them joy but also give them a sense of accomplishment in your life. Quality time like taking a walk together or sitting together to wash their favourite show.. it would also be a long phone conversation to hear them talk about their worries and even the project they are currently working on. This goes a long way to show you love them and still care.
Help Without Being Asked
Another way of showing love to your parents is offering to help even when they have refused to ask you for it. Sometimes they may be too scared or too worried about you being ready and able to assist with things, or chores around the house. If you love them, you will often go out of your way to help them without them even asking. It could be financial help or even helping to mow the lawn, it could be little assistance like washing your dad’s car, or a bigger one like temporarily assisting with bills in the house. Helping without being asked will always be a great act of love for your parents.
Listening Attentively
When your parents deem it fit to involve you in a conversation, know that they thought about it before assuming you are worthy. So, the best you can do during the conversation is give them your attention without any interruptions. If your phone rings while they are still talking, you could switch it off or put it on silent to show respect. It is love that begets respect. Make them feel valued by showing that you are genuinely interested in whatever it is they are sharing with you.
Cook Their Favourite Meal
This may not work for everyone, especially if you’re not a great cook yourself, but if you can and know how to prepare a dish your parents love, try to put in the effort to cook it every once in a while. You will warm your parents’ hearts with this gesture, and they will know for a fact that you still love them and do care.
Give Them a Hug
A gentle, soft hug is a good reminder of care and affection, and it strengthens family bond. it is most especially comforting for older adults, so a way to show your parents that you still love them and care for them is by giving them a hug. A gentle hug also helps reduce stress, you are helping them or reassuring them that everything will be alright.
Celebrate Family Memories
If you have old photos that you’ve taken together with your parents, you can try converting these old photos to a digital album or frame, and making them more easily available to them. This way, they are aware that even you have access to the old photos that they also have access to which keeps everybody in everyone’s heart and is a great way to show love and affection.
Surprise Them with Gifts
A good gift could just be a snack or a favourite book. One genuine way of showing your parents that you love them and that they occupy a special place in your heart is by surprising them with gifts. We mentioned earlier that you should celebrate memories. Gifts are also a great way to make new memories. Every time they look at the frame on the wall, your mum would say ‘My son got me this frame from his trip to Africa’ or something like that.
Respect Their Choices
Just like you have the right to your opinion, your parents also have every right to make their own decisions, whether you think they have made the right decision or not. Even if you will still correct or make them see a better option, it is your responsibility to first respect their choice, and you must find a way to only voice your opinion respectfully. It is important to know that your parents have years of experience ahead of you in general knowledge. For this reason, you must carefully consider your own view before completely disregarding their own opinion. So you must value and respect their choice, and if it doesn’t work well with you, reasonably find a common ground.
Be Patient with Them
When your parents were younger, they had all the strength. They could move from place to places without needing you for anything, but you must know that as they get older, they might tend to do things with a little difficulty, even normal conversations can be hard for them. This is where your patience comes in. Help them feel better. Help them understand the conversations better. It is more frustrating for them that they can’t do these things by themselves anymore than it is for you. Show them that your love is unconditional and replace your frustration with kindness.
Be Present in Tough Times
Even our parents have it tough sometimes. They appear to have all the answers, but they silently suffer so as not to bother you. If you can show your loved ones silent support in their times of dire need, please do, because no good deed is ever lost. Your parents especially need your steady presence, and it speaks great volume if you can regularly grace them with it in tough times.
