14 Heartwarming Things to Do for Parents to Show Your Appreciation

Parenting is a selfless act filled with endless love, dedication and sacrifices. It is easy for kids to take advantage of all that parents do for them. So don’t forget to show your appreciation for your parents constant love and support. Here are ten heartwarming things to do for parents to show your appreciation for all they have done for you:

1.  Give Them a Hug: Giving your parents a hug can speak volumes. It doesn’t take long and it lets them know how much you love them.

It strengthens the bond with your parents and shows them your appreciation.

momanddaughterhugmom standing behind her daughter and hugging her.

2.  Things to do for Parents - Cook Them a Meal: 

Show your parents how much you care by cooking them a meal. It could be breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning or prepare a homemade dinner, just because.

You know, there doesn't always have to be a reason for doing things for your parents, you will show your parents how much you appreciate them and they will feel extra special.

eg. I remember when the girls did this for us when they were young and well, we definitely appreciated it, if nothing else. 

3.  Offer to Help Around the House: Parents are always busy doing one thing or another. From caring for their children, to household chores to work, it can be never ending.

So offer to help around the house, do the dishes, mow the lawn or just lend a helping hand doing what ever it is that you can, this will show how much you care. 

4.  Things to do for Parents - Plan a Fun Day Out: Treat your parents to a day of relaxation and fun. Plan a day doing what it is that they enjoy doing. It might be visiting a museum, going on a hike, or simply having a picnic in the park.

Spending special time together will create lasting memories and show your parents how much their company means to you. 

eg. The girls would make sandwiches and some apples and grapes and we would go down to the near by park for a picnic.

They were young enough that they still liked to go on the swings, so I know it wasn't all just for me. But that's okay. 

5.  Listen to Their Stories:  Parents always have so many experiences to share. Take some time and listen to their stories.

Ask about their fondest memories and dreams, show genuine interest in their lives and make them feel valued. 

6.  Surprise Them with a Gift: It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to get your parents a gift, you know. Surprise them with something that reflects their interests and passions. 

It could be a bouquet of flowers, a favourite book, a few hours at the spa or a homemade craft. An unexpected gift will brighten their day and show them how much you care. 

When they ask, "What's this for?" which they will. Tell them it's, "Just because I love you."

eg. A while back one of my daughters was working 4 hrs. away and would usually call when she was coming home for a visit.

One day she just showed up surprising the heck out of me and she handed me a bouquet of roses, hugs and lots of love. 

A day I will never forget. 

dadhuggingsonDad sitting on sofa while son comes close to him and gives him a hug.

7.  Write a Thank You Note: In many cases, the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact for a parent.

So take some time to write a heartfelt thank you note to them, expressing your gratitude for all that they do.

It could be for something as simple as packing your lunch each day or cheering you on at your soccer games.

Let your parents know how much you appreciate their love and respect.

8.  Express Your Gratitude Regularly: Don’t just express your appreciation and love to your parents with a gift on special occasions or when they give you a gift. 

Make it a habit to tell them how much you value what they do. A simple “I love you” or “thank you”  for no reason, can go a long way in making your parents feel cherished. 

9.  Create a Memory Jar: Create a memory jar, starting a tradition for other members of the family. Write down special memories, inside jokes and moments of thanks on slips of paper.

Then put them in a jar, and at the end of the year, you and your parents can reminisce about the moments that brought you closer together. 

10.  Preserve Family Memories: Take the time to cherish family memories together. You might want to look through old photo albums.

eg. We have a box of things the girls made for me when they were younger, we go through that occasionally.

You could also create some new memories. These moments help to strengthen your family bond and create a sense of belonging. 

11.  Encourage Self-Care: Encourage your parents to take care of themselves. You might want to encourage them to take more breaks when they need to and most importantly take care of their health.

By showing that you care about their health you are offering a meaningful gesture of love. 

12.  Celebrate Their Achievements: Celebrate your parents' achievements and special occasions just as they celebrate yours.

It may be a birthday, anniversary, or even a career accomplishment, show them how proud you are of their successes and value their happiness. 

momanddaughtercookingMom and daughter in kitchen making food.

13.  Be Patient and Forgiving: Be patient with your parents and forgiving.

They make mistakes and have their flaws  too, just like everyone else.

Showing them patience and forgiveness strengthens your relationship where love and understanding thrives.

14.  Be Present and Engaged: Above all, the greatest gift you can give your parents is your presence.

Be present in their lives, whether it’s through meaningful conversation or spending quality time together.

Being there for your parents, both emotionally and physically, is the ultimate way to show your love.

There is more than one way for a child to show their appreciation for their parents, from simple acts like writing a note of appreciation to planning a fun day out.

It doesn’t matter how you plan to express your gratitude, the important thing is to show your parents how much they mean to you and how grateful you are for their love and devotion. 

What are some things to do for parents that you can think of?

My daughter took me out for mother's day brunch. We went to her work, she took me on a tour. It was fantastic.

Later we talked about anything and everything, I told her about this commercial I had heard on the radio earlier that day. It went like this.

Man to mom - "I am so glad that we are closer now that all we have to do is text one another rather than talking on the phone."

We laughed and then she said to me, "But I like when we talk on the phone." 

It made me feel so special and loved. I'm old school, I prefer the phone too.

She complimented my hair at one point, a super sweet gesture. 

A day I won't soon forget!

Cheers!