Beyond Words: How to Show Appreciation to Your Parents

Expressing gratitude to your parents isn’t always easy. Whether they recently did something nice for you or you just want to brighten their day, here are a few ways to show your appreciation to your parents.

Create a family album or scrapbook

 Nothing says thank you like spending hours hand-making the perfect personalized gift. Pictures hold tons of memories – use your family’s history as inspiration and put your creative skills to good use. Phones and social media accounts may be great for storing large numbers of photos, but nothing beats a physical family photo album.

Find as many meaningful pictures as you can to fill the pages. If your mom or dad is crafty, consider getting a scrapbook and not filling it completely. You and your family can then make a few pages together or you can let them add to the scrapbook as they see fit.

Plan a short outing

You don’t have to plan an elaborate vacation or an expensive shopping trip. Think about your parent’s favorite outdoor activity they haven’t been able to do in a while.

If you’re in the Lake Carnegie area, head out and enjoy the scenery around the reservoir. Sometimes all it takes to brighten someone’s day is a brisk walk in the park with a cup of their favorite latte.

Host a themed movie night

Movies can be a great way to bond with your parents. If you want to surprise them with a special movie night, find out what their favorite movies are. Pick one or two of their favorites in the same genre, then select one they haven’t seen yet that fits the theme. Make popcorn or bring their favorite snacks to give them the full movie night experience.

Write a poem

Writing a poem can be a great way to honor your parents in a truly meaningful way. While you can rhyme, some of the most well-written poems don’t follow a rhythm or formula. Once you create your poem, you can write it on beautiful stationary or frame it with some artwork.

Cook their favorite meal

One easy way to express your gratitude is to help your parents with daily housework so they can rest. Cooking takes a lot of energy and skill. For your special dinner, try cooking their favorite meal or an old family recipe.

If your parents cook their favorite meals regularly, you can also encourage them to try a new dish they saw on TV or have been talking about.

Send a handwritten letter or card

Use crafting paper to create the perfect letter or card to brighten their day. Add dried flowers, ribbons, or stickers to make your letter unique. If you don’t have time to decorate, you can always use a blank card or premade stationary.

Surprise them with a gift

If you can’t visit in person, sending a gift in the mail can be a great way to show your appreciation and gratitude. If your parents are hard to shop for, go for the classics – fancy bath soaps, a bouquet of flowers and chocolate, or perhaps an edible arrangement.

Ask them if there is anything they want

One of the best ways to show someone you care is through meaningful conversation. If you’re out of ideas, why not ask your parents if there’s anything they would like to do or see? You may be surprised by their answers!

From kayaking on Lake Carnegie to window shopping on lively Nassau Street, senior living at Stonebridge at Montgomery means your parents will never be at a loss for fascinating activities to fill their time. Contact us to schedule a visit today.