We all love our parents, and if we’re honest, even when we’re fully grown adults with our own children to look after, we still need them. Good parents are the best; they provide us with love, care, and assistance. They have made so many sacrifices for us over the years that we owe it to them to be the best daughters (or sons) that we can be…
Talk with Them
One of the simplest, but most important things we can do for our parents, is to talk to them often. Whether we’re chewing over problems, talking about the family or engaging in idle chatter, just being there and spending time together, letting our parents know that we care is one of the best things we can do and a sure sign of an amazing daughter. It also enables us to set a good example for children, who will get to understand that we should treat the older generations with care and compassion when they see us setting that as an example.
Take On Chores
If your parents are older and they’re finding it harder to do the day to day stuff that we take for granted, like cleaning the house or going to the bank, be on hand to help them out with it. They’ll really appreciate it and you won’t regret being there when they need you.
Let Them Be
When our parents get older, it can be tempting to think that we know what’s best for them; to think that they are getting too old to be able to manage their own lives effectively, but unless they have a health diagnosis that DOES affect their decision making, you need to remember that they are adults and they do have agency over their own lives, so you must respect their decisions. That’s not to say that you can’t research the best and worst nursing homes with them or let them know about the importance of getting a flu shot each winter, but you can’t and shouldn’t force them to live life how you want them to.
Involve Them
If you want to be an amazing daughter to your parents, one of the best things you can do is involve them in your family life. Make sure that they get to see the grandkids a lot, invite them over for barbecues or ask them to come watch your kid’s dance recital, and ensure that they feel as much a part of family life as possible.
Remember Important Dates
You wouldn’t be a great son or daughter if you didn’t remember your mom’s birthday or your parents’ anniversary would you? Show them you care by not only remembering but making a fuss of them on those important dates and they’ll know they’re loved. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do this, even a call to acknowledge the day and see how they’re doing will mean so much.
Basically, if you want to be a good daughter, show your parents you love them in as many ways as you can!