Surprise them with an unexpected visit or phone call.

Give them a big hug.

Express your empathy. Often the greatest gift we can someone else is the gift of empathy. This short
video from Brené Brown does a great job of explaining the difference between sympathy and
empathy – and why empathy is so amazing.

Give them a handwritten card or letter.

Babysit for free. To new parents especially, this can mean the world. I have done this several times
for my neighbors after the toddler went to bed. I could stay there in case the child woke up, but
almost always I simply read my book on the couch and let the parents have a well-deserved break to
go get a glass of wine.

Write them a letter.

Make them a meal. When my partner had surgery and I felt stretched very thin, the frozen meals
that our loved ones had brought over made such a difference.

Go visit your parents. Tell them how much you appreciate them (or at least one thing about them
you appreciate).

Treat them to their favorite coffee.

Say ‘I love you’ with meaning.

Tell them how wonderful they are and how happy you are to have them in your life.

Ask, “How can I help you?”

Make them a cup of tea

Listen to them carefully without interrupting

Say, “I’m sorry.”

Buy them a gift from the dollar store.