5 Ways to Show Your Parents You Care (Even with a busy life)
- authorka
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 21
How to Stay Connected Even When Life Is Busy.
Life gets overwhelming, but small actions matter. Discover 5 simple, meaningful ways to show your parents you care—even when time feels limited.
It takes a moment to create a memory.
I get it. Life moves like a freight train. Once it picks up momentum—jobs, children, rent or mortgage payments, car notes, and maintaining your own health—it can feel like it will never slow down. Overwhelmed, it becomes easy to reject an incoming call from a retired parent.
“I’ll call back when I get some free time,” you tell yourself. And you mean it. But free time often gets filled with another task—or much-needed personal rest. Days turn into a week, and you still haven’t called or visited.
Remember: their days were once filled just like yours are now. Filled with caring for you. Meeting responsibilities so your life could run as smoothly as possible. They may not have been perfect—but no one is.
Here are five ways to show your parents you care, even with a busy life. Small, intentional actions remind them they are still loved, valued, and remembered.
Try these 5 ways to show your parents you care (even when life is busy).
1. Schedule a Check-in phone call
Establish a set 5-10 minute slot you can stick to. Let them know that you will call regularly at that time just for a quick check-in to see how they are doing.
This takes the anxiety out of them not knowing when your next call will be. It will ease their mind so when they do speak with you, they won't feel as if they have to flood all of their concerns, questions and comments into one call making it longer than you may be able to accommodate. Call your parents regularly.
2. A video call
Video calls don’t need to be formal. Call while cooking, folding laundry, or during a quiet moment. Set your phone down so your hands are free, especially if you have a baby or young child.
Parents love seeing you in your everyday life—your home, your routines, your world. If possible, schedule this regularly. These moments create lasting emotional memories.
“Regular contact with elderly parents combats feelings of loneliness and isolation.” — Eldercare Specialist"
3. Send Thoughtful Text Messages
This is a great option for staying connected with parents if your parent is tech-savvy. It is simple and powerful. Use texts to send a "good morning" or "good night" when you can't call lets them know you are thinking about them. They will definitely appreciate it.
Share a photo from your day and add a short note like, "I thought you might like to see my walking path." These gestures help them feel included-even when they can't physically be present.
4. Share a Pre-recorded Video
Record a short video telling them you love them or that you were thinking about them. This allows them to replay it anytime or even share it with friends.
Unlike a live call, a recorded video becomes a keepsake—something they can return to whenever they need comfort or connection. It is a beautiful and meaningful gesture for your parents.
5. Show Up When You Can
Nothing tops the real deal. They will appreciate the effort. Plan a walk together or stop by with their favorite drink or snack. Spending time with aging parents by simply sitting and talking comforts them.
Flowers are lovely, but an indoor plant may serve them better. It won't fade or die and caring for it gives them something to do. Each time they see it, they will think of you and remember your visit.
Be there for them. Sew the seed of love.
Be there for them. Sow the seed of love.
Love is not contingent on whether or not the person who cared for you was always their or seldom present. These are 5 ways to show your parents you care (even with a busy life). For your own personal reasons, it may not feel easy. However, remember the process of showing love and caring is as healing for the doer as it is for the receiver.
Resources:
You can use any calendar to plan your family time, but if it helps, The Cottage has their "Love Makes Time" Monthly Printable calendar, without dates so you can start it at any time.
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