There is no such thing as a perfect family.
Despite good intentions and best efforts, parents can still fall short. As children grow up while parents grow old, disagreements may arise. Misunderstandings may become frequent, too.
If you can relate to the statements above and you are wondering how you can better your relationship with your parents, Beyond Small Talk is here to help you!
Actress Princess Punzalan, who wears the hats of a daughter and a mother, shares 5 keys to improve and strengthen parent-child relationships:
1. When you see your parents trying to reach out to you, do your best to respond.
Have you heard the famous adage, “It takes two to tango?”
It is also highly applicable to nurturing your relationships. Say your parents are trying to reach out to you, be willing to respond.
It does not have to be a lot. Spending a few minutes each day to have meaningful conversations with them can help strengthen your bond. Communication is key!
2. Tell your parents how much you appreciate them.
In his article on Psychology Today, Dr. Neil Farber noted that emotion plays an important role in the development and trajectory of parent-child relationships.
Appreciation is such a powerful emotion. So take the time to tell your parents how much you appreciate them.
If you are still working on expressing it verbally, Princess has a suggestion to help you start, “Maybe you can write something to your parents and tell them how much you appreciate them.”
3. Thank your parents for what they have done for you.
What are the things that you love about your parents? What are you grateful for?
Think of the things that make you thankful for your parents, then tell them. Your well-meaning words may come as a surprise at first, but they will never go unappreciated.
Sure, not everyone is good at expressing their feelings. But thanking your parents once in a while for what they have done for you would be a great practice.
4. Point out what you love and appreciate about your parents.
Your parents may already know that you love them, but wouldn’t it be nice if they hear it straight from you?
You may never know all the sacrifices and tough choices they had to make for your own good, but if you recall any, let them know that you see their efforts.
Princess recommends, “If you recall a tough decision that they had to make for you, it would be nice if you can point that out and thank them for it. And I am sure it will warm their hearts.”
5. Learn to let go and forgive.
Adulting is challenging, but parenting can be hard, too.
Every person who walks on this planet has his fair share of mistakes and shortcomings – and your parents are not exempted. Holding on to your parents’ mistakes would do you more harm than good.
“If in case you have resentments and you feel that your parents are not ready to talk about it, just let it be. Let’s forgive,” Princess said, assuring that you can always bring your pain to Jesus.
There is no such thing as a perfect family, but there is a perfect God.
Nurturing a harmonious relationship with your parents takes effort, mutual respect, and most importantly, unconditional love. Pray and believe that God can help your family be united in His perfect love.
Do you find these tips helpful in strengthening your relationship with your parents?
Let us know in the comment section below!
For more inspiring content, don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!
