So maybe it's because I recently celebrated my birthday but I figured a post about appreciating parents is long over due. I've always admitted to my friends and family that I am the epitome of a spoiled brat. I've been fortunate to have a father who always says yes when I need AND want something. And I have an amazing mother who gives me that motherly unconditional love. As much as I love both of them, I can be a jerk, I can be cold. I've been this way my whole life, especially with my parents. It's hard for me to show affection to them and I've always struggled with the fact that, because of this, I feel like the spoiled and ungrateful kid. There are moments where I do try to show my love and gratitude. I mean I always make sure that at night, both of my parents hear that I love them. Yet, there's more to appreciating your parents than just saying "I love you." And here are a few:
1. Clean the house. Especially the kitchen.
After a long day of work, parents come home to their second jobs: maintaining a decent household. It's great to try to help out when you have time. Even if it's just cleaning the dishes every night after dinner. It's really not as much work as it looks.
2. When they go out to do errands, accompany them.
They get stuff done and you give them bonding time. It's a win-win situation.
3. Go to a movie or dinner with them.
Yes, running errands with them sounds like enough, but its not. Parents sometimes like to be appreciated with fun things to do also. Never rule out that your parent wouldn't enjoy a dinner or movie with you. It shows them that you see them as more than just a parent, you see them as a person too.
4. If they ask you to sit down and watch TV with them, do it. Even if only for 30 minutes.
I've had my father ask me to do this several times and I usually say no because I prefer to go upstairs and be alone. Lately, I find myself staying and watching TV with him more because I'm realizing that my parents will be gone one day and they need to know that I do like to spend time with them. If they ask, sit.
5. Clean their cars.
This one is for those who are really up for it. If you've got a drivers license then its actually not as difficult as you think it may be. Just go to the car wash (put music while you go through the wash, its amazing), take the trash out of the car, and vacuum. You have a clean car and a smiling parent.
6. Ask them about their life, what funny or touching stories they have stored in their head.
If you ever find yourself sitting with them at the TV or just find a moment where you want to ask them about their past, do it. I've heard great stories from my father and mother. I'm glad I asked because it's largely part of what made me appreciate them more, especially my mother. I learned that she's a warrior and I wasn't giving her enough credit. I wasn't giving both of them enough credit. Plus, I've started to learn, through these stories, the traits and quirks that I've receive from them, it's pretty touching.
So here's to appreciating the two people who have given us more than what we need and who always try their absolute best to give us the moon and more. Little do they know that they already have.
