How to Express Appreciation to a Parent
Find a good time to talk., Think about what to say., Use specifics., Share positive things with your parents., Say "Thank you" regularly.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find a good time to talk.
If you want to let your parents know how much you care, find a good time to do so.
Parents are busy, and will appreciate you not bothering them when they're busy.Think about when your parent is usually free.
For example, if your mom is usually busy on Wednesday nights, don't talk then.
Wait until she has some downtime on a Thursday.
Pick a time when your parent is usually not distracted as well.
While your dad may be home most Fridays, maybe he likes to watch a particular show that night.
He may not pay as close attention to conversation. -
Step 2: Think about what to say.
Showing appreciation can be difficult.
You may not be sure exactly what to say.
Your parents do so much for you, so it can be stressful to try to find a precise way to thank them for that.You can rehearse beforehand.
Try to jot down what you want to say.
Try reciting your words in front of a mirror.
If you practice your words a few times, you'll be more likely to remember them when the time comes to talk. , It can be nice to give a general "Thank you." However, you also may want to include some specifics when expressing gratitude to a parent.
A parent will appreciate knowing exactly why you value them.For example, you may be inclined to say something to your dad like, "I appreciate all the help you give me." Try to find more specifics.
How does your dad help, exactly? Try to think of a specific thing he's done.
For example, "I really appreciate how you helped me work through that problem with my friend Justin last week.
I really like having someone to talk to when I'm having problems."
Work on opening up to your parents on a regular basis.
You can verbally show appreciation by telling your parents you appreciate them directly.
However, you can also show them by sharing with them.
Do not just talk to your parents when something's gone wrong.
Speak to them on a regular basis.Fill your parents in on the small details of your life.
Let them know how a test went at school, or something funny a friend said that week.
Your parents care about you.
They want to know how you're doing and feeling.
Let them in regularly as this can show you appreciate their presence in your life. , A simple "thank you" goes a long way to show appreciation.
While gratitude certainly goes beyond manners, do not forget your manners.
Make sure to thank your parents throughout your interactions when appropriate.
Always thank your dad for paying for dinner.
Offer your mom a "thank you" when she gives you advice. -
Step 3: Use specifics.
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Step 4: Share positive things with your parents.
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Step 5: Say "Thank you" regularly.
Detailed Guide
If you want to let your parents know how much you care, find a good time to do so.
Parents are busy, and will appreciate you not bothering them when they're busy.Think about when your parent is usually free.
For example, if your mom is usually busy on Wednesday nights, don't talk then.
Wait until she has some downtime on a Thursday.
Pick a time when your parent is usually not distracted as well.
While your dad may be home most Fridays, maybe he likes to watch a particular show that night.
He may not pay as close attention to conversation.
Showing appreciation can be difficult.
You may not be sure exactly what to say.
Your parents do so much for you, so it can be stressful to try to find a precise way to thank them for that.You can rehearse beforehand.
Try to jot down what you want to say.
Try reciting your words in front of a mirror.
If you practice your words a few times, you'll be more likely to remember them when the time comes to talk. , It can be nice to give a general "Thank you." However, you also may want to include some specifics when expressing gratitude to a parent.
A parent will appreciate knowing exactly why you value them.For example, you may be inclined to say something to your dad like, "I appreciate all the help you give me." Try to find more specifics.
How does your dad help, exactly? Try to think of a specific thing he's done.
For example, "I really appreciate how you helped me work through that problem with my friend Justin last week.
I really like having someone to talk to when I'm having problems."
Work on opening up to your parents on a regular basis.
You can verbally show appreciation by telling your parents you appreciate them directly.
However, you can also show them by sharing with them.
Do not just talk to your parents when something's gone wrong.
Speak to them on a regular basis.Fill your parents in on the small details of your life.
Let them know how a test went at school, or something funny a friend said that week.
Your parents care about you.
They want to know how you're doing and feeling.
Let them in regularly as this can show you appreciate their presence in your life. , A simple "thank you" goes a long way to show appreciation.
While gratitude certainly goes beyond manners, do not forget your manners.
Make sure to thank your parents throughout your interactions when appropriate.
Always thank your dad for paying for dinner.
Offer your mom a "thank you" when she gives you advice.
About the Author
Melissa Armstrong
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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