How to Show Love to Your Parents

I have dear memories of going out for ice cream after Vacation Bible School closing programs as a child. It is a mini treat that I looked forward to each summer, and—once I became a mom—I invited my parents to Carvel after my kids sang peppy songs about surfing the wave of God’s love. It means a lot to parents when they know you were so delighted with childhood customs that you want your kids to have the same experience. They will realize that their loving gestures have a long-term payoff.

If you are like me, a clean house day means a lack of laundry in the living room and a majority of the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Your parents are not as interested in your crackerjack cleaning skills as they are in your warm welcome into your adult world. It reminds them that they are appreciated, needed, and still very much a part of your family.

There is nothing that makes you marvel at your parents’ sacrifices more than raising your own children. The effort it takes to hold your ground when disciplining, or to labor to make ends meet, is impressive. Your parents may have said or done things that perplexed you, but know that, most of the time, they were motivated by concern for your well-being.

The right way to process your parents’ mistakes is not to point them out. Know that your parents are humans who were children once too. Rather, acknowledge your hurts, take responsibility for your own missteps, and find a way to do things better. Your parents will be elated to see their children and grandchildren growing and thriving.

There is a divine arc in everyone’s history. Lessons have been learned, belly-laughs have been had, and love has cascaded over into the next generation. Listening to your parents’ experiences will validate them and give them a purpose. It will also give your life tremendous roots, a colorful complexion, and a distinctive brand of hope.