How to Respect Parents

It’s easy to take our parents for granted. We forget the sacrifices they’ve made for us, and the effort it takes to raise happy, healthy children. Respect is foundational to love, and one of the best ways to show your parents that you love them is to treat them with respect. Small habits that you can incorporate into your daily routine, and a loving and positive attitude will make them feel loved and respected, and proud to have you as their child.

Part 1

Young Adults

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   Be aware of, and appreciate all the things that your parents do for you from day to day, month to month, year to year. Notice the amount of time they dedicate to being with you, and the joy they express when spending family time with you. Imagine what it would be like to put yourself in their shoes. If you were your mom or your dad, how would you like to be treated by your own children? How would it feel to have to manage the many responsibilities they have in your household? What decisions would you make if you were in your parents’ position? Thank them for the big things they do, like staying up all night with you when you’re sick, as well as for the little things, like bringing you a cup of hot tea or helping you choose a dress for a special occasions.
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   Recognize and respect the fact that they have been through many more life experience than you, and can offer you a great deal of knowledge about the world you live in. Although sometimes parents may seem overly-strict or embarrassingly old-fashioned, for example; Insisting that you respect them as well as your other elders by referring to them as "Sir", or "Madam", you must respect the fact that often their guidance toward you reflects wisdom that has been passed down from their own parents and elders. This type of strict guidance is an essential part of their teachings to insure that your able to grow up to be a good, descent, productive and respectful adult.
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   It's a given that sometimes your parents may seem totally clueless and you may feel like they can't possibly relate to the things your dealing with currently, But believe what I say, they actually do understand some of the things that your going through like peer pressure, friendship issues, and a lot of other things that kids your age has to deal with simply because they were once a kid just like you. But "NEVER" be afraid of discussing problems that you are having with your parents. You have to tell them if you have issues, they can't help you with things they aren't aware of. It's their job as a parent to help you through things.
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   Remember that your parents love you more than anything else in the world, an have high expectations of what they want you to achieve because they believe in you and want to see you be at your best as you become an adult. Often, when they ask you to do things that seem ridiculous or totally unfair, it’s because they want what’s best for you, and they want to teach you a very important and valuable lesson, that... "Sometimes in life things aren't always fair a big portion of the time".
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   When at times you feel that your parents don’t listen or don’t take you seriously, take a moment to think about what you want them to know and discuss your problems calmly with them and make sure you listen to their side of the story. Avoid arguments with them even if sometimes they seem unfair. Remember that above all, it's your parents that should make the final decision for you and that it's inappropriate for you to try to have the last word. A mature approach on your part includes having a calm and respectful attitude at the end of the conversation and accept that as they are your parents, their will must be your way. In time this will earn their trust in you, and it will demonstrate to them that you are well on your way to becoming a competent well rounded individual who will soon be capable of making your own good decisions, and be responsible for your actions. Don't talk back to your parents because when they are strict they are only trying to teach you responsibility and they only want the best for you.
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   Make a daily effort not to complain about having to obey your parents commands. Your parents make a lot of sacrifices for you, so reward their efforts with gratitude, obedience and a positive respectful attitude. Remember that these ways that they are teaching you will be so very valuable to you when you grow older and become parents of your own children. You will be able to convey to your own kids the family values you were taught while growing up at home. Remember this, would you want your children behaving with you, the way you may be behaving at home now? Never forget to apologize if you've argued with them; remember that they have feelings, too.
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   Be helpful and assume responsibility around the house by doing extra chores when you can, just to show that you want to do your part in your everyday family life. If you have younger siblings, help them with their homework and their chores, be a model of good behavior for them and try to encourage their obedience to you just as you are obedient to your parents. This will help build a strong and loving family structure for your whole family.
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   Remember that new clothes, toys, cell phones, and money allowances are always nice, but be aware of your parents' income and how much they can afford to spend on the things that they buy for your enjoyment. If at all possible, help them out. Earn some money of your own and save it to help pay for a portion of your clothing and entertainment.
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   Remember that one of the most important things you can do for your parents is to be a loving person. Parents by nature need to know and feel that their children have a great love for them. Be affectionate and give them just as many hugs and kisses as they give you, and do it as often as you wish. There never need be a special occasion reserved for doing this. Love costs nothing, and you can and should want to give it freely. It's what all parents hope and wish for from their beloved children, and I promise you this, the warm feeling you get in your heart for such acts as these last a lifetime.
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    And last but not least...Everyday, take the opportunity to tell your parents you love them.

Part 2

Adult Children

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   Talk to them regularly. Your parents can be the best friends you’ll ever have. They have rich lives and their years of stories are invaluable treasures.
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   Visit them often. Even if you don't live near them. You’ll be grateful for the time you spent with them when they're gone, and you’ll regret the lost opportunity if you don’t visit them.
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   Include your parents in your family activities. Invite them to movies, family dinners and on family vacation.
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   Help them maintain active lives. If your parents are elderly and have a hard time driving or getting around, take them to see their friends, to go shopping, to restaurants and out for walks.
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   Organize visits with their grandchildren. If you have children, let them visit your parents as often as possible. A loving relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is one of the joys of life (not to mention free babysitting!).
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   Be loving. Just like you were when you were a kid!

   • Be affectionate and give them hugs and kisses (they still love it!).
   • Apologize if you've argued with them; remember that they have feelings, too.
   • Thank them for helping to make you the wonderful person you've become.
   • Now that you have income, spoil them the way they spoiled you. Bring them small gifts like flowers, chocolates or a book you think they might enjoy. Give them big gifts on their birthdays and important holidays.
   • Everyday, take the opportunity to tell your parents you love them.

Tips

• Life gets busy, but hugs are quick and so is saying 'I love you.'
• It's easy to be short with your parents when you are stressed. A quick apology soothes hurt feelings and let's them know that you didn't mean it.
• Anniversaries are a great opportunity to treat your parents to something special, like a weekend getaway or a dinner at a five-star restaurant.
• If your parents treat you with respect you must do the same to them.
• Show that you care for them and you love them and forgive and understand what their telling you.and they love you know there the ones who made you and took care of you.and give them kisses Hugh's say you love them and they'll, be happy.