Most parents today have a lot of pressure to deal with. Not only do they have a growing child to motivate, look after, and support, but they have a variety of other tasks to think about too. From dealing with career pressures, to looking after the home, it seems like there's never enough time in the day. That's why if you're a co-parent to a mom or dad who's going above and beyond, it's worth showing your appreciation from time to time. Taking some time out to show the other person in your relationship just how much you value the effort they're putting in can really do amazing things for your relationship. Here's how you can make that mom or dad smile.
Take Over
If your partner is usually the person who deals with things like school runs and getting the kids to their after-hours activities, then maybe you can handle that job for a week. Offer to take over some of the tasks that take up the majority of your partner's time every once in a while. This will give him or her a chance to put aside some quality moments for themselves. Even if you just take over making the dinner for the kids a couple of times a week so your partner can relax without interruption, this could really take your partner's stress levels down. If you're not sure where to start helping, ask your co-parent which task she or he generally struggles with the most and start from there.
Surprise Them
Want to make your co-parent grin from ear to ear? Surprise them with something special every once in a while. The occasional gift doesn't have to be excessively expensive or large to make a huge difference. Subscription flowers that give your partner a new bouquet to appreciate every month are an excellent idea, and they require minimal initial preparation. Just remember, if you're ordering a delivery from a flower subscription company, it's a good idea to look for a company that's sustainable and environmentally friendly. You don't want the worry of a company that's harming the environment detracting from the amazing experience of your partner getting flowers every month.
Get the Kids involved
Finally, there's few better ways to show a parent how much they're appreciated, than to get the kids involved in saying thank you. Every so often, get the kids to take their mom out for a treat walk through the park, and a relaxing afternoon, while you tidy up at home. Or have the kids help out with chores so mom or dad is less overwhelmed. Although it can be difficult to ask the kids to help out when they're still very young, the more they grow and recognize the effort their parents put in to help them out, the more willing they'll be to put some of their time aside for mom or dad. Seeing that your kids care enough to help you out is a great sign that you're succeeding as a parent.
