​How to Build a Stronger Relationship With Your Parents

The bond between a child and their parents is special and you should nurture a loving relationship where you can. That said, life can test even the strongest family relationships and it is natural to have disagreements and fallouts on occasion. You may find it difficult to maintain a close relationship with your parents as you get older, especially if you live further away or have work and other demands on your time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to rebuild your relationship and grow closer to your parents. Here are some suggestions to help you develop a stronger relationship with your parents.

Spend quality time together
Finding the time to visit your parents can be a challenge when you are trying to balance a busy work schedule with a social life, family commitments, and other demands. However, you should make spending time with your parents a priority and make an effort to see them as much as you can. Do not always wait for your parents to get in touch first and organize catchups. Show that you enjoy spending time with them by reaching out and arranging a family meal or day out.
 
If you are lucky enough to live close to your parents, then try to see them regularly by inviting them round for dinner or doing activities together at the weekend. Spending quality time together will strengthen your relationship and help you maintain a close bond with your parents. If you live in a different city or state and cannot meet up as often, then make an effort to stay connected via communication apps. You can use apps like Whatsapp, Facebook, and Skype to message each other and videocall. This will help you remain an active part of each other’s lives and maintain a close bond with your parents even if you are separated by distance. Take a look at this article for some of the best apps to help families stay connected.

Find common interests and hobbies
Finding common interests and hobbies will make it easier to spend quality time with your parents. Sharing new experiences is also an excellent way to strengthen family bonds and grow closer. You could try cooking new recipes together, get involved in a local community project or start a family crafts project. If your parents are older, then doing activities together can help keep them fit and encourage them to lead a more active lifestyle. According to Abbott, “some of the best activities to do with aging parents include walking, dancing, and bowling.” Find something that you and your parents enjoy and start doing activities together in your free time to build a strong relationship.

Appreciate what your parents have done
Your parents are likely to have done a lot for you over the years. Think about all of the times that they gave you lifts, paid for things, and supported your dreams and aspirations. You should remember all of the caring things that your parents have done over the years and appreciate their love and support. Never take your parents for granted and show them that you appreciate everything that they have done for you. You can do this by buying them a gift, writing them a thank you card, or simply doing something nice for them like cooking them a lovely meal.

Support your parents as they get older
As your parents get older, there is likely to be a shift in your relationship. Your aging parents will become more reliant on you and they may start to need help with their daily activities. Supporting your parents as they get older can be challenging and they may find it difficult to accept your help, especially if they like to be independent. Make sure that you approach the topic of senior care sensitively and discuss how you can help.
 
Taking care of your parents as they get older will strengthen your bond and show your love and support. There are dozens of ways to help aging parents. If you live nearby, then you could offer to visit once or twice a week to help with household chores or drop off homemade meals. You could also discuss the benefits of moving to a senior living community. Frontier Management explains how senior living options should be considered when daily activities become strenuous, home care is not an option, or a senior wants more social interaction. Moving your parents to a senior living community will ensure that they receive the care and support that they need as they get older. You also have the option to move your parents to a location closer to you so that you can visit more often and spend quality time together.

Travel with your parents
Traveling with your parents might not be top of your vacation list, especially if you have different interests. However, going on vacation together can be a fantastic way to share new experiences and build a stronger relationship. According to the travel blog, Intrepid Travel, traveling with your parents is a special experience that can bring your closer. If you are planning on booking a vacation with your parents, then make sure that you pick a suitable destination with activities that everyone will enjoy. Avoid travel stress by booking things like accommodation and transfers in advance but leave your itinerary free to allow for spontaneity. If you are not confident about booking a two-week trip somewhere with your parents straight away, then try going on a short weekend break first.
​
Conclusion
Issues between children and parents are common and it is normal to have rough patches in your relationship. If you are searching for ways to strengthen your relationship with your parents, then you are not alone. Many people would like to enjoy a closer bond with their parents. The good news is, there are lots of different ways to improve your relationship and build a closer bond. Spend quality time with your parents and make family a priority in your schedule. Remember that it is never too late to rebuild your relationship with your parents and show them that you care.