5 Ways to Show Your Parents You Care

How to show parents you care. Amid busy life schedules, you can still show you care.

It takes a moment to create a memory.

I get it. Life moves like a freight train. Once it picks up momentum, a job, children, rent or mortgage to pay, car payments and maintaining your own health, it just doesn't feel as if it will ever stop. Overwhelmed, it becomes easy to reject an incoming call from a retired parent. "I'll call back when I get some free time," was truly your intention, but often, any free time is filled with another task or some much needed personal time. Days turn into a week and you still haven't called or visited.

Remember, that persons days were once filled much as yours is right now. Filled with caring for you. Meeting responsibilities so that your life ran as smooth as possible. They may not have been perfect, but no one is. Here are 5 ways to show you care. Show them you still think about them.

5 ways to show your the ones you love that you have not forgotten about them and that you care.

Tip #1 - 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 1 call making it longer than you may be able to accommodate.

Tip #2 - A video call

This can be when you are cooking or folding clothes. Select a moment and place you can set your phone down and if you have a baby or child to care for, your hands can be free and they can get a peek into your everyday life. Parents love seeing us in our natural element. If you can, do this on a regular scheduled basis. They will never forget it.

"Regular contact with elderly parents combats feelings of loneliness and isolation." – Eldercare specialist

Tip #3 - Text

Using this one, if your parent is tech savy is super fun and easy. Use texts to say good morning or good night if you can't call and they will definitely appreciate it. Send a pic from the day and tell them, "Just thought you might like to see my walking path." Add the picture. Trust me, it enables them to be there, when they can't be there.

Tip #4 - Pre-recorded Video

Pre-record a video of youself telling them you love them and were just thinking about them. This gives them the option to re-play it anytime or share it with their friends.

Tip #5 - Show up

Nothing tops the real deal. They will appreciate the effort. Plan a walk together or if they are not mobile, bring their favorite drink or treat. Flowers are always an option, 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.

Love is not contingent on whether or not the person who cared for you was always their or seldom present. 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.

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