How to Convince Parents to Find Time for Themselves
Start the conversation., Help them find out their interests., Make them realize you have grown up., Spend time with them doing things they like., Be consistently supportive.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Start the conversation.
The very first and basic step is you need to initiate talking about the matter.
Keep it light.
You have to bring that comfort level so that they feel like they can open up to you.
This comes through sharing and asking them about what is happening in their life.
Slowly you need to encourage them to include some activity.
By regularly asking them about how and what they're doing, you can encourage them to find activities that keep themselves busy, which will keep them active as well as mentally or physically fit and more over they’ll start enjoying their life and leisure time. -
Step 2: Help them find out their interests.
You might already have a head start here.
Your mum might have told you how she likes to try new recipes or she wishes she knew how to take better photographs, or your dad may enjoy hanging out with his friends or playing chess.
Help them find what they want to do.
Ask them about where their interests lie and if necessary, make suggestions.
Encourage your mom to join a book group or a cooking class.
Ask if your dad wants to join a club or start writing articles or a novel.
By encouraging them in whatever endeavors interest them, you can help release them from the idea that their whole life revolves around you. , Parents are sometimes scared of finding time for themselves or doing anything for themselves because they think it might distract them from being parents.
You need to assure them that now you are grown enough to look after yourself, it’s time for them to focus on themselves.
You need to convince them that you are grown up! This won’t happen by simply saying to them, “Ma/Papa, I am grown up now.
I can look after myself.” No! Truly convincing them requires you to handle your responsibilities and demonstrate your independence through your actions.
Not only can you show responsibility for yourself, but you can also show them that you're ready and eager to help them out, too.
Taking your parents to their appointments, helping them around the house, or doing other favors and errands for them can help.
Taking care of their needs and most importantly finding time for them is key, too; call them regularly to ask how their day was or what are they planning to do this weekend will make a big difference.
Bottom line is you have to make them realize you can take care of yourself, so now they should spend their time on themselves. , If they like doing something, get involved in it with them.
If your dad likes playing pool, go and play with him.
If your mum likes playing games on her phone, sit along with her and watch her play.
If she likes cooking, ask her to teach you a new recipe, or suggest a new recipe to her.
By showing your enthusiasm for what they're doing, you can subtly push them to stay engaged with those activities.
And the fact that you are taking interest in what they are doing will keep them motivated; everyone likes to feel appreciated and supported for the things they want to do. , No plan will succeed unless it’s been put to practice consistently.
On a regular basis, talk about their interests and activities and motivate them to keep on finding time for themselves.
Regularly suggest new ideas they can try if they lose interest in the hobbies they've been pursuing so far. -
Step 3: Make them realize you have grown up.
-
Step 4: Spend time with them doing things they like.
-
Step 5: Be consistently supportive.
Detailed Guide
The very first and basic step is you need to initiate talking about the matter.
Keep it light.
You have to bring that comfort level so that they feel like they can open up to you.
This comes through sharing and asking them about what is happening in their life.
Slowly you need to encourage them to include some activity.
By regularly asking them about how and what they're doing, you can encourage them to find activities that keep themselves busy, which will keep them active as well as mentally or physically fit and more over they’ll start enjoying their life and leisure time.
You might already have a head start here.
Your mum might have told you how she likes to try new recipes or she wishes she knew how to take better photographs, or your dad may enjoy hanging out with his friends or playing chess.
Help them find what they want to do.
Ask them about where their interests lie and if necessary, make suggestions.
Encourage your mom to join a book group or a cooking class.
Ask if your dad wants to join a club or start writing articles or a novel.
By encouraging them in whatever endeavors interest them, you can help release them from the idea that their whole life revolves around you. , Parents are sometimes scared of finding time for themselves or doing anything for themselves because they think it might distract them from being parents.
You need to assure them that now you are grown enough to look after yourself, it’s time for them to focus on themselves.
You need to convince them that you are grown up! This won’t happen by simply saying to them, “Ma/Papa, I am grown up now.
I can look after myself.” No! Truly convincing them requires you to handle your responsibilities and demonstrate your independence through your actions.
Not only can you show responsibility for yourself, but you can also show them that you're ready and eager to help them out, too.
Taking your parents to their appointments, helping them around the house, or doing other favors and errands for them can help.
Taking care of their needs and most importantly finding time for them is key, too; call them regularly to ask how their day was or what are they planning to do this weekend will make a big difference.
Bottom line is you have to make them realize you can take care of yourself, so now they should spend their time on themselves. , If they like doing something, get involved in it with them.
If your dad likes playing pool, go and play with him.
If your mum likes playing games on her phone, sit along with her and watch her play.
If she likes cooking, ask her to teach you a new recipe, or suggest a new recipe to her.
By showing your enthusiasm for what they're doing, you can subtly push them to stay engaged with those activities.
And the fact that you are taking interest in what they are doing will keep them motivated; everyone likes to feel appreciated and supported for the things they want to do. , No plan will succeed unless it’s been put to practice consistently.
On a regular basis, talk about their interests and activities and motivate them to keep on finding time for themselves.
Regularly suggest new ideas they can try if they lose interest in the hobbies they've been pursuing so far.
About the Author
Robert Sanders
Robert Sanders is an experienced writer with over 2 years of expertise in non profit. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Robert creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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