The biggest gift you can give to your parents this holiday

As the holidays approach and you are out looking for that perfect gift for mom or dad, consider giving them a gift that costs nothing but means everything. The gift of conversation. While you consider topics that have real value, none is more important than how they hope to age gracefully and what you the adult child can do to help make that a reality. Often this conversation is the elephant in the room, and the gift you give is setting it free. You see, neither parent nor child wants to think about a time when declining health or aging create a change in the most sacred of relationships. However, just knowing that there is a support system that will be there is comforting and validation of the tireless effort of raising you. In fact, that gift of nurturing love will now be returned as they face their later years.

Simply telling your parents that you want to be there to preserve their quality of life is significant. While the parent is reassured by the idea that the adult child will take care of them, it is the adult child that actually benefits most. The idea that giving is better than receiving is absolutely true in this case. Knowing what your parent expects and having the information to fulfill their wishes is invaluable. It means that you will not have to wonder what to do during a time of need. The stress of the process will be mitigated through planning. Best of all, that human feeling of guilt won't come into play because clear expectations have been stated. So this holiday, don't buy wrapping paper or bows. Don't fight traffic at the mall. Give the gift of conversation.