Difference between revisions of "Do Nice Things for Your Parents"
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Doing nice things parent for your parents will not only make them happy, but it will also improve your relationship and encourage them to see you as a responsible adult. Your parents provide food, support, love, and shelter for you, so give them a little love in return. They deserve it! | Doing nice things parent for your parents will not only make them happy, but it will also improve your relationship and encourage them to see you as a responsible adult. Your parents provide food, support, love, and shelter for you, so give them a little love in return. They deserve it! | ||
| − | [[Category:Improving Relations with Parents]] | + | [[Category: Improving Relations with Parents]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Showing Gratitude and Respect=== | ===Showing Gratitude and Respect=== | ||
| − | #Say thank you. Let your parents know that you appreciate everything they do for you. This includes not just the big stuff, like putting a roof over your head and feeding you, but also smaller everyday things, like giving you a ride to your friend's house. A simple "thank you" goes a long way.<ref>http://www.markmerrill.com/4-things-to-do-to-honor-your-parents/</ref> | + | #Say thank you. Let your parents know that you appreciate everything they do for you. This includes not just the big stuff, like putting a roof over your head and feeding you, but also smaller everyday things, like giving you a ride to your friend's house. A simple "thank you" goes a long way.<ref name="rf1">http://www.markmerrill.com/4-things-to-do-to-honor-your-parents/</ref> |
| − | #*Let your parents know when they gave you good advice. It will make them feel so good to hear "You were right" or "I was wrong" every now and then.<ref>http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2010/02/five-nice-things-high-school-kids-can-do-for-their-parents.html</ref> | + | #*Let your parents know when they gave you good advice. It will make them feel so good to hear "You were right" or "I was wrong" every now and then.<ref name="rf2">http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2010/02/five-nice-things-high-school-kids-can-do-for-their-parents.html</ref> |
| − | #Apologize when you do something wrong. Nobody is perfect all the time. If you did something that upset your parents or said something you didn't mean, let them know you're sorry.<ref | + | #Apologize when you do something wrong. Nobody is perfect all the time. If you did something that upset your parents or said something you didn't mean, let them know you're sorry.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*It's never too late to say you're sorry! | #*It's never too late to say you're sorry! | ||
| − | #Make time for a conversation. Your parents want to feel involved in your life, so set some time aside to talk to them every day if you can. Ask them how their days were and tell them about yours. Discuss any problems you have and ask them for advice.<ref | + | #Make time for a conversation. Your parents want to feel involved in your life, so set some time aside to talk to them every day if you can. Ask them how their days were and tell them about yours. Discuss any problems you have and ask them for advice.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Try not to do this when they are in the middle of something. Dinnertime is ideal for family conversations. | #*Try not to do this when they are in the middle of something. Dinnertime is ideal for family conversations. | ||
| − | #*If you don't live with your parents, call them regularly. Visits are always appreciated too!<ref>http://blog.gradguard.com/2012/10/18/5-ways-to-remind-your-parents-you-love-them/</ref> | + | #*If you don't live with your parents, call them regularly. Visits are always appreciated too!<ref name="rf3">http://blog.gradguard.com/2012/10/18/5-ways-to-remind-your-parents-you-love-them/</ref> |
| − | #Try to see their perspective. It's inevitable that you will disagree with your parents about some things, but try to be mature about it and understand where they are coming from. Even if you think they're wrong, don't start an argument.<ref | + | #Try to see their perspective. It's inevitable that you will disagree with your parents about some things, but try to be mature about it and understand where they are coming from. Even if you think they're wrong, don't start an argument.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Keep in mind that your parents have a lot more life experience than you do. | #*Keep in mind that your parents have a lot more life experience than you do. | ||
#*Take a moment to consider if your parents' religious beliefs, cultural background, or upbringing may have something to do with their opinions. Be understanding of this even if you do not share the same values. | #*Take a moment to consider if your parents' religious beliefs, cultural background, or upbringing may have something to do with their opinions. Be understanding of this even if you do not share the same values. | ||
#*If you don't understand why your parents disagree with you about something, ask them to explain their thoughts. | #*If you don't understand why your parents disagree with you about something, ask them to explain their thoughts. | ||
| − | #Give them a hug! Your parents probably miss the days when you were a little kid and used to give them hugs all the time. Show them you still love them by giving them a big hug every now and again.<ref>http://zenhabits.net/10-great-ways-to-show-youre-grateful-today/</ref> | + | #Give them a hug! Your parents probably miss the days when you were a little kid and used to give them hugs all the time. Show them you still love them by giving them a big hug every now and again.<ref name="rf4">http://zenhabits.net/10-great-ways-to-show-youre-grateful-today/</ref> |
#*Telling them you love them will make the hug even better. | #*Telling them you love them will make the hug even better. | ||
===Helping Them Out=== | ===Helping Them Out=== | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
#*Put your dirty laundry in the hamper instead of throwing it on the floor. | #*Put your dirty laundry in the hamper instead of throwing it on the floor. | ||
#*Clean up spills right away. | #*Clean up spills right away. | ||
| − | #Pitch in when they're stressed. Parents have a ton of responsibilities, and that can cause a lot of stress. If you notice that they seem especially overwhelmed, ask them what you can do to take a little bit of work off their shoulders.<ref>https://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/InfoBooth/Money-jobs-laws/Money-and-jobs/Helping-out-at-home.aspx</ref> | + | #Pitch in when they're stressed. Parents have a ton of responsibilities, and that can cause a lot of stress. If you notice that they seem especially overwhelmed, ask them what you can do to take a little bit of work off their shoulders.<ref name="rf5">https://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/InfoBooth/Money-jobs-laws/Money-and-jobs/Helping-out-at-home.aspx</ref> |
#*Pitching in may mean offering to do some extra chores, like doing the laundry or mowing the lawn. | #*Pitching in may mean offering to do some extra chores, like doing the laundry or mowing the lawn. | ||
#*You can also help your parents relax by offering to give them a massage. | #*You can also help your parents relax by offering to give them a massage. | ||
#*In some cases, the best thing you can do is just give your parents some space when they are stressed. | #*In some cases, the best thing you can do is just give your parents some space when they are stressed. | ||
| − | #Do something unexpected. Every once in a while, it's nice to show your parents you care by doing a chore around the house that they never expected you to do. <ref>http://blog.directgeneral.com/odds-ends/pleasantly-surprise-your-parents/</ref> | + | #Do something unexpected. Every once in a while, it's nice to show your parents you care by doing a chore around the house that they never expected you to do. <ref name="rf6">http://blog.directgeneral.com/odds-ends/pleasantly-surprise-your-parents/</ref> |
#*Consider cleaning up the house for them while they're out. | #*Consider cleaning up the house for them while they're out. | ||
#*Another great surprise would be to have dinner waiting for them one night (as long as you clean up the mess as well). | #*Another great surprise would be to have dinner waiting for them one night (as long as you clean up the mess as well). | ||
| − | #Be responsible about money. If your parents are stressed about money, it will be a real help to them if you learn to be fiscally responsible. If you have a job, consider offering to contribute money towards household expenses. If you don't have a job, try to be cautious about spending money unnecessarily.<ref | + | #Be responsible about money. If your parents are stressed about money, it will be a real help to them if you learn to be fiscally responsible. If you have a job, consider offering to contribute money towards household expenses. If you don't have a job, try to be cautious about spending money unnecessarily.<ref name="rf5" /> |
===Surprising Them=== | ===Surprising Them=== | ||
| − | #Plan a party. If there's a special occasion coming up, consider planning a surprise party for your parents. It doesn't have to be elaborate: just invite friends and family over, have some food ready, and prepare some simple decorations.<ref>http://blog.mheonline.com/parents-day-10-ways-to-show-appreciation-for-your-parents/</ref> | + | #Plan a party. If there's a special occasion coming up, consider planning a surprise party for your parents. It doesn't have to be elaborate: just invite friends and family over, have some food ready, and prepare some simple decorations.<ref name="rf7">http://blog.mheonline.com/parents-day-10-ways-to-show-appreciation-for-your-parents/</ref> |
| − | #*Even if you don't plan a party, make a point out of always remembering your parents' birthdays and anniversary.<ref | + | #*Even if you don't plan a party, make a point out of always remembering your parents' birthdays and anniversary.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Buy or make a gift. Whether it's your mom's birthday or you just feel like doing something nice for your parents for no reason, a thoughtful gift is always appreciated. If you choose to buy something, you don't have to spend a lot of money! Remember, it's the thought that counts.<ref | + | #Buy or make a gift. Whether it's your mom's birthday or you just feel like doing something nice for your parents for no reason, a thoughtful gift is always appreciated. If you choose to buy something, you don't have to spend a lot of money! Remember, it's the thought that counts.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Make sure the gift is something your parents will enjoy. If your parents love the movies, for example, you could buy them tickets. If your dad is a big sports fan, you could get him a T-shirt or hat that displays the logo of his favorite team. | #*Make sure the gift is something your parents will enjoy. If your parents love the movies, for example, you could buy them tickets. If your dad is a big sports fan, you could get him a T-shirt or hat that displays the logo of his favorite team. | ||
| − | #*If you want to do something crafty, try making a list of nice adjectives that describe your parents (nice, helpful, loving, thoughtful, etc.) Then incorporate these words into your gift.<ref | + | #*If you want to do something crafty, try making a list of nice adjectives that describe your parents (nice, helpful, loving, thoughtful, etc.) Then incorporate these words into your gift.<ref name="rf6" /> You could paint them on a picture frame or write them out on homemade cookies with icing, for example. |
#*Don't underestimate the power of a homemade card! | #*Don't underestimate the power of a homemade card! | ||
#*Parents love gifts that incorporate family memories. Consider making a scrapbook or creating a slideshow using old family photos. | #*Parents love gifts that incorporate family memories. Consider making a scrapbook or creating a slideshow using old family photos. | ||
#Leave them a note. A really simple way to surprise your parents and make them smile is to leave them an unexpected note that lets them know you appreciate them. Try putting the note on their pillows before bed or tucking them into their lunch bags so they will find them at work. | #Leave them a note. A really simple way to surprise your parents and make them smile is to leave them an unexpected note that lets them know you appreciate them. Try putting the note on their pillows before bed or tucking them into their lunch bags so they will find them at work. | ||
#*If you want to be even nicer, leave them a homemade treat with the note. | #*If you want to be even nicer, leave them a homemade treat with the note. | ||
| − | #Do something together. Your parents value the time you spend together, so show them you do too! Take the initiative to plan an outing for you and your parents. There are lots of fun and inexpensive things you can do close to home. <ref | + | #Do something together. Your parents value the time you spend together, so show them you do too! Take the initiative to plan an outing for you and your parents. There are lots of fun and inexpensive things you can do close to home. <ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Go to the beach | #*Go to the beach | ||
#*Have a picnic at the park | #*Have a picnic at the park | ||
