How to Make Your Parents Visits Pleasant, Fun and Comfortable

There are times when our parents visit and we are so grateful to have them still with us; or there can also be times when we dread a certain month or family event because we know that it will only mean hashing up some old family patterns and experiences.

Having your parents visit need not be a chore or a bore; remember when someone comes to visit it is always a whole new experience and should be approached as such. Even if your family has some "written in stone" or "robotic" patterns; you can always remember you have never done this event on this date, at this time in the exact same weather, mood, and with the same people, etc. Life has changed since the last visit. That gives you a little bit of a new perspective to any old family pattern; and this can help you at least have a little extra mental space if you need it.

If your parents are travelling a distance by flight or long drive; try to give them and your family some extra time to acclimate to their surroundings as it can be stressful just being in an environment any person is not used to being in. Picking them up from the airport; having dinners and lunches already planned and taken care of; childcare ready and waiting; these are all things that can de-stress the whole visit for everyone. Try to think in advance of how to make everyone's experience lighter and more fun by preplanning and preparing as much as can be ahead of time. Then you can relax or go out on the town without all the extra worries about the day to day small stuff that always seems to pop up when any out of town guests arrive.

Depending on your parents age and health needs you will want to address any special needs in a private and a caring manner. Even if you are a very open person with any of your medical or special needs with them; most parents feel embarrassed that they have to have care given to them now instead of the other way around. Most children are more than happy to help out if there parents were caregivers to them when they needed it. Sometimes, you may not feel open to helping them if you are still harboring bad feelings from past events; try to get some counseling for your anger or lingering feelings, so that you can actually have an enjoyable experience with them now; and not let the past dictate what the experience will be again.

Hopefully, everyone can see the visit for what it is; special. Each time we spend time with loved ones may be our last no matter how old we are or where we are in life. If your parents are young and healthy, and wear you out when they visit, thank God first, have a good time with them while they are visiting and then get some extra rest after they have gone back home!