Ve.Z: Get Involved...

(and how you can love them back)

	As Jonathan climbed out of bed, he could hear his mom making breakfast in the kitchen. The smell of pancakes wafted into his room.
Angie plopped down on her bed with a pout. She was grounded—again. She didn’t want to admit it, but she knew her parents were right.
	Mindy stood outside the school building, waiting for her mom. There she was, pulling into the parking lot. Mindy waved and hurried to get into the front seat.
Jeff caught the ball and threw it back to his dad. They’d been playing catch ever since his dad had taught him how.
	Travis sat on the couch, leafing through an old photo album. There was a picture of him as a baby. His mom was holding him.

Have you ever stopped to think how much your parents love you? How do they show you their love? Make a list of all the ways that your parents show you that they love you. (If you have a different primary caregiver, such as a grandparent, an aunt or uncle, step-parents, etc., the same goes for them.)

Here are some ideas to get you started: They provide for your physical needs—food, clothing, and shelter. They spend time with you. They discipline you. They try to do what’s best for you. They’re interested in what’s happening in your life.

Get Involved

It’s awesome that you have parents who love you.
But how can you show them that you love them too?
Here are some ways you can love them back:

Let them
know how much you
appreciate them.

Don’t wait for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day to acknowledge everything they do for you. Tell them thanks.

Spend time with them.

Don’t get so busy doing other things that you forget to spend time with your mom and dad. Go for a walk together or do something with them that they enjoy. If they’re busy, see if you can help them.

Try to understand their point of view.

Sometimes you may not agree with your parents, especially when you’re being disciplined. Remember, your parents love you and are doing what they think is best for you.

Do something
special for them.

Surprise them with breakfast in bed. Pick some flowers. Think of ways to let them know you care about them.

Help around
the house.

Do your assigned chores without a fuss, and then go the extra mile and see what else you can do. Set the table for supper or vacuum the living room floor. Do what you can to help your mom and dad.

Tell them
“I love you.”

A simple “I love you” can be very meaningful. So tell your parents you love them and that you’re glad they love you too.