46 Ways to Respect Your Parents

respect your parents
Photo by Kelly Sikkema

Sometimes, we think our parents cannot understand us and they get in the way of our happiness. This is why many of us have experienced rebelling against our parents at some point, especially when we were still teenagers.

However, we should not forget that our parents love us, and all they want is the best for us. At times when they seem to be very strict, they just want to protect us from possible harm. That is why they need our understanding and respect.

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What is Respect?

Respect is the positive feeling that you give to people because of their abilities. It is expressed as an attitude towards other people who have different opinions than you do.

You don’t need to get something in return for respect.

Please show respect to everyone, regardless of their age and position.

Respect is something you earn through your actions.

In other words, it’s not a favor that can be traded in or given as an act of kindness towards someone else.

If you’re disrespectful and arrogant towards others, you’re not respecting yourself. It’s also important to respect your elders who have earned the right to be respected because they’ve experienced a lot for themselves.

Respect is a response to care. You earn the right to be respected when someone gives you care and support as well.

You also need to respect yourself first and foremost before asking others to respect you.

Why It’s Important To Respect Your Parents

1. They are older and wiser

It’s not just about age but wisdom.

Your parents have a lot of experience that you can count on.  They have the wisdom to lead you in making good choices and decisions.

2. They’ve been there for you, so it’s important to be there for them too

Remember when they cared and supported you when you were young?  Now that you’re older, it’s your turn to show your appreciation and gratitude towards your parents by giving them respect.

3. They sacrificed for you so much

When you were a baby, they spent all of their time taking care of your basic needs and loving you unconditionally.  Then when you grew up, they spent so much hard work, time, and money to prepare you for a better future.  When you think about it, that’s really selfless and truly amazing!

Your parents have given everything they had to make sure that you will be successful in the future.  It’s about time that you pay them back by treating them with respect and love!

4. They know you better than you know yourself.

They’ve seen you grow up into an individual with your own personality and traits.

Your parents can give you wonderful advice because they know the kind of person that you really are and what may be best for your future.

5. It Will Benefit Your Parents To Be Treated With Respect

As we’ve mentioned before, respect is not something that you can give as a favor.  It’s an attitude or feeling that you express towards others because they have done great things for you.

Once your parents feel respected by you, their life will be more meaningful and happy overall.

When you respect your parents, you will get a stronger relationship with them.

Of course, your parents may argue with you now and then, no matter how old you are. Just remember to respect them in the end!

6. Respect Benefits The Entire Family

Respect for one another is the basis of harmony in relationships within a family.

It is not always about yourself, but others can have something to gain from respect. When you show respect, it can influence your siblings or even extended family members positively as well.

You should treat others in the same way that you would like to be treated.

7. You Are Not Better Than Your Parents

Even though you are an adult now, there will still be things that only parents can teach us no matter how old we get.

Gaining wisdom is one of the best things that you can gain from your parents, and with them in your life, they will always try to teach you what is good or bad.

8. Your parents may pass away before you.

You don’t know when your parents will leave this world. Before they pass away, you should cherish them and never forget any of their good deeds.

It’s important to let them know you love them before the time comes.

Ways to Respect Your Parents.

So, how can we show them that we love and value them? Here are 46 ways that can help you show your respect to your parents.

Understanding your parents

1. Create positive thoughts about your parents.

Our emotions are affected by our thoughts. Therefore, if you want to be more understanding to your parents, you should start by thinking positively about them.

2. Understand where they are coming from.

Be open-minded about the generation gap between you and your parents. Know also that they are guided by their own experiences when dealing with you.

3. Remember how much they love you.

When you were a baby or child, your parents loved you and cared for you more than anyone else in the world.  Even though they may not be affectionate towards you sometimes, you must always remember how much love they have for you deep inside.

Appreciating Your Parents

4. Appreciate every little thing they do for you.

Along with saying “thank you”, praise them for the things they do to help and make you feel loved. Your appreciation means a lot to them.

5. Give them presents.

Bringing them even just simple presents will make them happy, not because you give them something, but because they feel special and remembered.

6. Serve them as much as you can.

Along with being patient with them, take the opportunity to serve your parents. You can never repay them for their sacrifices for you, but at least you can show your gratitude through this.

Show Them You Care

7. Help with household chores.

If you are still living with your parents, always take time to help around the house no matter how busy you are. You do not want them to carry all the weight of household burdens.

8. Take time to ask how they are doing.

They go through tough situations too, and usually, they just keep it to themselves. Set a time to check on them, and make them feel you care about how they feel.

9. Treat them out to date.

You can do #8 when you do this. Set a schedule to date your parents once in a while, so you can bond as well.

10. Visit them regularly.

If you live away from your parents, make an effort to visit them regularly even if you are busy with work. They surely miss you and feel lonely if you do not seem to remember them.

Ways to Respect Your Parents
Photo by brfcs

11. Spend special occasions with them if possible.

Aside from visiting them regularly, make it a tradition to be present during special family occasions like your parents’ birthdays or during Christmas or New Year’s Eve. These occasions will only be meaningful to them when you are around.

12. Be patient with them when they are old.

They were patient with you every time you had tantrums when you were a toddler and when you were a stubborn teenager. Now, it is your turn to widen your understanding of them.

13. Show affection by hugging and kissing them.

Do not be shy about expressing yourself to them. Your hugs and kisses show how grateful you are for having them as your parents.

14. Be the best that you can be.

The best gift that you can give your parents is your life lived to the fullest. Seeing you successful with good values would make them see that they have fulfilled their calling to be the best parents that they can be. Make them proud.

15. Be on time when visiting or calling home, even if it’s just to say hello.

Even if you have a busy schedule, do not over-schedule your time, and always remember to make some free time for family. No matter how long you live away from home, they will still love hearing from you at least once every couple of weeks.

It doesn’t need to be any longer than a phone call because it is more important that your parents know you are making an effort to stay connected instead of writing them off as “too busy”.

If you cannot visit or talk regularly with your parents for a while, then at the very least send them postcards or call them and tell them both verbally and in writing how much they mean to you.

Improving Communication with your Parents

16. Talk to them constantly.

Communication can help you understand the thoughts of your parents. It will also strengthen your relationship as a family.

17. Watch your language when you are with them.

Avoid saying foul words, especially when your parents are around. You should also be courteous when talking to them.

18. Practice saying ‘please’.

In case there is something you need their help with like passing the food across the table, always remember to use the magic word ‘please’.

19. Do not talk back.

I believe it is okay to reason out to your parents if you need them to understand your side. However, do this in a gentle and respectful manner—not arguing with them and imposing your views. If they tell you to shut up, then do not say anything.

20. Keep your tone low.

When talking to your parents, always observe your tone. You should not sound like bossing them around.

21. Be humble and say ‘sorry’.

When you have misunderstandings with your parents, be humble even if you think it is not your fault. Be the first one to reach out and apologize.

22. Do not cross your arms when talking to them.

Crossing your arms in front of them, even if you are discussing something peacefully, is like showing them you are of the same level. Or it may also show defiance towards what they are telling you.

23. Avoid lying to them.

Sometimes, we make lies because we do not want our parents to be disappointed with us. However, the moment you cannot cover those lies anymore, they would be more than disappointed with you.

Ways to Respect Your Parents
Photo by edsavi30

24. Open up about your problems.

Your parents want to feel needed and trusted. Be open to them about what is happening to your life.

25. Listen to their advice.

Your parents will give only give you the counsel they think are best for you. Accepting and doing their advice means you value their words.

26. Ask their opinions when making a major decision.

When you do this, you do not only get wise and sincere opinions, but you also boost the self-esteem of your parents. You make them feel valued.

 

27. Do not cut them off.

When they are talking, be polite by not butting in even if you disagree with what they say. Let them finish first.

28. Do not complain.

Avoid grumbling but obey your parents with a submissive heart. If you are assigned to a chore in the house, or you are told to get home before 8 PM, do it without complaining.

29. Tell them you love them as often as possible.

Yes, you can show it with actions, but it is still different when you tell them. It is music to their ears.

 

Show Them Your Respect

30. Express your gratitude to them.

Thinking back on the things your parents had given you, such as clothes and food when you were young – make sure that now that you are grown up, thanking them is one thing that they will always

Always take time to thank your parents for their sacrifices and everything they do for you. You can never repay them for all they have done for you.

31. Obey their house rules (especially if you still live with them).

You need to respect their authority as the heads of the household. That is why it is your responsibility to obey their house rules unless you want to move out and live on your own.

32. Respect their decisions.

There could be some decisions your parents make that you do not agree with. You can try telling them your thoughts about those, but if they do not accept your ideas, just accept and respect them.

33. Prioritize them over friends and boyfriend/girlfriend.

Always put your family, especially your parents, above other people. Friends and boyfriends/girlfriends may come and go, but your family is forever.

ALSO READ: 9 Reasons Why Family is the Best Thing in Your Life

34. Introduce your friends and special someone to them.

When you introduce the people you usually go out with to your parents, it makes them feel really valued. It will also give them peace of mind since they know whom you are with when out of the house.

35. Focus your full attention on them when they are around.

Every time you are with your parents, avoid texting, checking your Facebook, or playing games on your phone. Make the most of your time with them by chatting with them and listening attentively.

36. Respect their opinions and principles.

You may have different beliefs, views, and principles from your parents, but you have no right to tell them they are wrong. Do not force what you think is right on them.

37. Involve them in family activities.

If you have your own family already, do not forget to invite them to family outings and gatherings.

38. Be proud of them.

Even if your parents are not wealthy businessmen or dignified professionals, they still deserve to be honored. They have given their best to give you your needs and raise you up as a good citizen.

39. Respect their decisions even if you disagree with them.

Your parents know what is best for them most of the time, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t try to help them make good decisions.

Your parents will be pleased if you tell them things that may positively improve their lives. They love to hear your opinions and feelings, but you also need to respect their point of view when it differs from yours.

If you don’t think your parents are doing the right thing or making the best decision, keep it to yourself unless they ask for your opinion.

40. Be grateful for what they have given you – everything!

From the food on the table and clothes on your back to paying for all of your education expenses, do not ever take these things for granted because there are children out there who have no family support at all.

41. Try To Compromise With Them When You Disagree About Something.

It’s okay not to agree with everything they say or are doing. But when it comes down to a point where the two of you don’t understand each other, try and find the middle ground so that both of you can feel happy about the outcome.

42. Treat them fairly and equally-don’t favor one parent over the other

Your parents are both your family, and you love them both the same. It can be difficult not to show favoritism towards one parent or the other, especially if they each have different parenting strategies.

But try to remember that it is important to treat both of them fairly by being kind, respectful, and generous in return for all they have done for you as well as each other.

43. Respect the things that mean a lot to them.

Your parents have their own interests and hobbies that are very important to them because it makes them who they are. You should always respect the things that your parents like and any special keepsakes or collectibles they hold on to.

It is okay to be curious about what keepsakes or things are important to your parents, but you should never touch anything they have told you.

Just DONT do:

44. Do not bring up past issues.

At times when you and your parents get into a misunderstanding, avoid bringing up the past issues that were resolved already. You are not a historian.

45. Do not break their trust.

In connection to #23, keeping their trust is one of the best ways we can show them our respect and love for them. Therefore, avoid doing things that can break it.

46. Do not do things that can upset them.

Even if you are your own, you still have to be sensitive to the feelings of your parents. They care about you and they get worried easily when you do things that are dangerous or unhealthy.

47. Do not laugh at their mistakes.

Your parents are only humans, and they make mistakes too. Do not embarrass them by making fun of their slip-ups.

Ways to Show Love to Your Parents

1. Visit them often.
2. Call them regularly.
3. Send them practical gifts.
4. Clean the house for them.
5. Cook them their favorite food.
6. Do their laundry.
7. Do not raise your tone at them.
8. Respect their point of view.
9. Avoid arguing with them.
10. Listen to them attentively.
11. Do not appear bored when talking to them.
12. Pay attention to them when talking.
13. Take care of them when they are sick and old.
14. Stop holding childhood grudges against them.
15. Take them on a date.
16. Organize a family reunion.
17. Bring them on holiday trips.
18. Hug them as often as possible.
19. Let your kids play with them.
20. Thank them for their hard work.
21. Pray for them.

Please visit ways to show love to your parents for the details.

You are blessed to have them

Your parents are not perfect. There are times they make you feel bad, and you might have even wished you had been born into a different family. However, remember that not all children had the privilege of being born and raised in a home. Some of them did not even have a glimpse of this world, because their parents did not give them a chance to live. Some were abandoned when they were still small because their parents could not take the responsibility of taking care of them.

Be thankful for your parents’ love and sacrifices for you. They deserve to be loved and honored in return.

 

Online courses recommended for you:

Books recommended for you:

Gift ideas to appreciate your parents:

ALSO READ:

15 Ways to Love Your Siblings

 

Cyril Abello
Cyril is a personal development blogger and content writer. She is also an online language teacher. She has a degree in Communication Arts and loves everything about writing. Being a full-time mom, she enjoys freelancing.

55 thoughts on “46 Ways to Respect Your Parents”

  1. Good article, however am more than confused now. I have parents who have never given me peace and trouble started when i married, they hate my wife and my children and me too now. I have tried my best to settle things to no avail. They started to visit the witch to eliminate me and my wife and by Gods grace i got this revelation. I stopped giving them money but i do them shopping because they were using my money to destroy me. Now what is it good for me to do because am fed up?

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  2. Tnx
    I really cried after reading this
    I read this article just after having a word fight with my mom
    After reading this I really feel so bad on my deeds
    Tnx a lot
    Decided to change my attitude now on

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  3. Actually its one of the best articles that I’ve read in my life!!
    I needed it soooo much!
    A big thank you for you 🌷

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  4. We have a 13 year old autistic son. He wants to talk to us as if we are friends. His mannerisms are rude almost bordering disrespect. I was surfing the web when I came across this page. It was everything we needed as parents to discuss with him on how to show respect to us. I am going to make posters for the house, and use them as family lessons. Thank you for writing this article.

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  5. Directed to question #3, how am i supposed to talk to my dad if he says he doesn’t want to talk to me, and doesn’t let me talk to him?

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    • Sometimes we as children need to eve agree with decisions such as those that our parents make. But I will say, pray on that and ask God to open up your parent(specifically your father) to opening up to you. Don’t forget to sit down and ask yoir dad why he doesn’t want to talk to you. But as a parent, that really isn’t a good way to treat your son (or daughter). I’ll pray for you man.

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  6. Start respecting her. Grand her her God given right to parent you. GOD says: Honor your father and your mother. Practice those forty points. You will get more expensive cloths and also be in good terms with GOD ALMIGHTY! Enjoy your long life son.

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  7. BROOO mee to im 13 and my mom said girl im no buying any of your clothes no more and i was like WHAT but i guess thats life right lol

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  8. I have been disrespectful to my mom for several years and I know I only have one mom. I know some kids disrespect their parents especially teens. I know that my mom is hard on me and she cares about me and want the best for me. I would talk to my mother any type of way. After reading this article I will try my best to be more respectful, responsible, obedient, and humble person and a better daughter to my mom and not complain when told to do something or cut her off or do something that will make her mad. From now on when my mom or anyone tell me to do something I will do it without complaining

    Reply
    • The two articles have a similar topic and title, but I think they have different unique content. I don’t see any infringement. Also, the article has been published on January 10, 2018, while the article in your link has just been updated on October 30, 2019. Can you tell me the specific content that is allegedly stolen content? We tried to visit the other link in your comment but it leads us to a website that is for adults only so we decided to not show it to protect other visitors.

      Reply
      • The copyright notice at the bottom of the article clearly tells that the article was from 2018. It was 1st of May, 2018 evident from the first comment.
        I made minor edits to the article many times so it might be looking a little different but since I wrote it I can tell how closely the content has been rephrased. Also, English is not my first language which is probably why it was so easy to rephrase it and sound even better and simple.
        PS: I have left only one link on my comment. Which other link are you talking about?

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        • Hi Cherry. I really don’t see any infringment in this article since they have different content. If your article was published on May 1, 2018, this article was published on January 10, 2018 based on our record. We did not approve your other comment since it includes a malicious link. Of course we cannot display that comment for the public to view for security purposes. Are you really sure about what you are fighting for here, or you have other intention?

          Reply
    • Sherry, I have read both articles and I can see that your work has different contents and emphasis. I can even say that this one is better than the other in terms of simplicity and sincerity.

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      • I am not sure if you are really “mar” or just trying to get back at me with a weird username. Oh yeah that is true. This article is sure better in terms of simplicity than the original one. I have to admit it’s true because English is not my first language. Rephrasing my content is quiet easy I guess but I doubt the “sincerity” part about this article. I am sorry. If anyone of you need to know the first published date of the article I have mentioned. You can mail be on the other articles address. I will send you a screenshot of the date.

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  9. My husband first found this article when our son got in trouble at home he has been talking back rolling his eyes making comments when we talk to him about why he does what the disrespectful things he does our son is 12 and we were told it’s just a phase or its pre teen issues. He has been getting in trouble at school the teachers and principal and the officers even the bus driver has been complaining of his “ways”. We honestly didnt know what else to do, we tried talking, given only 3 chances a day and then money to be good,taking him places he wants to go if he changed his ways,writing sentences,spankings,nothing worked but this article has helped. I can see a difference in his attitude his mannerisms are different. We have slio ups every now and then but we redirect and ask him what are some ways you can show us how to respect me and dad, it has all the what your supposed to do and not supposed to do in the 40 ways. So thanks

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  10. Yup, even when they are like mine, not worthy of my affection, dislikes my wife she has alienated my children… demons can attach themselves to people, pray for Norma. 😧🙏🏿🙏🏽🙏🏻

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  11. I am I a kid reading this and I have messed up soo bad in the house so thank you for reminding me what I should do and the right way

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  12. This is a great article. I love the numbering because everything is so easy to read. I had a hard time with my parents as an adult because I wanted what I wanted and couldn’t get it for some reason and cut them out of my life. I lost my mom recently and wish I would have had a different relationship with her the last year of her life. Instead of picking school and work, talking to her and sorting out our differences would have made a tremendous difference in her feelings towards herself and others involved in our world as mother/daughter. Maybe I’ve learned the hard way to not let other people or life stand in the way of a friendship with my parents. As kids, peer pressure can be so tough but it doesn’t change much when you’re an adult either. Miss you Mom. XOXO

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  13. I strongly believe that if we create happiness and show our passionate thoughts by doing great things, definitely our creator will satisfy us better than we do our parents specifically our mother

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    • Since childhood i have always been disrespectful to my parents. I never gave them the love and respect that they deserve but still they have always loved me and cared for me. I would talk rudely to them, asked them to do even my littlest works like giving me water, washing my clothes , and everything like a boss in a bossy tone . I feel very ashamed and today i cried for half an hour after realising that how bad daughter i have been and this is the reason i decided to change my behaviour and searched on google that how to show and do respect to your parents and I found this article. Thanks a lot for sharing this. It’s true that we can never repay them for their sacrifices . Thanks a lot

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    • Yes this is not ok. Sounds like your Mom isnt doing her self work and you are right, that makes it very difficult for you to respect her, I have a narcissistic parent so I can fully empathize and in correction of the above article….if someone is beating us mentally, mistreating us with any form of abusive behaviour, etc we can pray for them, but this is not respecting us as children and any form of emotional abuse will cause problems in our adult years….not to mention many other things (i am a professional in this area) Speaking to your Mom about her problem, studying, doing some cognitive behavioural therapy can really set you free. It isnt nice to be disrespected and psychologically abused constantly by your parent. Two wrongs dont make a right, however not having boundaries for the disrespect also means we wont be taken seriously and healthy change can not take place. You should speak to someone about documenting this, or document it yourself and ask your Mother to show you she appreciates you and tell her it will create such gr8 energy and feelings, it will be easier for you and you will have a better relationship and health long term. There are many situations where we can thank God for our parents and feel blessed, however people that disrespect the very beings he made have issues they are projecting that need a resolve, that have nothing to do with you, this can damage us so distance, reporting it, getting yourself help and removing yourself from the situation ie respond dont react, these are good places to start, to heal and hopefully your Mother will come around. We are all human beings and there is nothing wrong with explaining to your Mother how her behaviour makes you feel. Hope this helped… also i encourage you to develop outside relationships with other healthy adults who can give u the love and respect you deserve as a young women! This is important to your development. Always strive to learn who you are and to not be ashamed of this. Im hoping your Mother deals with whatever is causing her to disrespect you. It is not easy. Im also hoping she has the ability to care. Dont dismiss bad behavior for sacrifices a parent made. These are two different things.

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  14. I’m thankful of my parents…💙it’s a very good article by the way…my mom didn’t spend her birthday in a happy mood…she was just in anger and pain throughout the entire due to some issues…i tried my level best as her child to support my mom …My mom always shows me an obstacle is nothing within life…yes she went through a miserable day but ended up sleeping with the most beautiful smile a child that a child with adore seeing on they parents faces… I’m thankful for my dad as well to even call her late at night and advice her that listen…we always go through tough issues but we can always make it throughout those issues…thank hi dad.. .💙love you both💚

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  15. i really dont like my mom because she doesnt respect me how i want to be but i try as much as i can to respect her how i want to be but she doesnt have self respect and what comes with self respect comes respect for others

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    • Bro where did you get this knowledge. So relatable, im 14 and my mom seriously told me to buy my own clothes. I begging her for even a tiny budget but she said no. I don’t no where I’m supposed to find that money.

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      • Hello Jr. My daughter is 14 and last year I told her what I would and would not pay for during our back to school shopping. She had a lot of extra things she wanted to get and I did not have the money to pay for them. So I suggested that she come up with some ways to raise the money . She decided to make some banana nut bread and sale it around the neighborhood by going house to house. She mad enough to get every thing she wanted and more.
        I wanted to let you know you are not limited by your age. The Lord will give you ingenuity to create wealth all you have to do is ask him. Use your talents.

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      • She probably just wants you to be nore responsible. Though I cannot relate with this situation I’m sure that she just wants to mold you into a great young man!!! God continue to bless you!!!

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      • It is your parent’s responsibility to give you the things that you need not necessarily the things that you want. It might be that you are asking too much of them so they want you to realise and learn how hard it is to provide.

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  16. Looking at Parents
    The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy and affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj.” Those around the Prophet questioned: “O’ Prophet of Allah! Even if he were to look at them a hundred times a day?” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) replied: “Indeed! Allah is the Greatest and Most Kind.”

    Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 73

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      • Jesus also said to love one another, and wasn’t a parable about a good Samaritan? Let us love all people and pray for peace…that we leave a better place for all of God’s children (blessed be His holy name). This would make all of our parents proud.

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    • after reading this article i cant explain the amazing words that describe the ways for respecting parents.what a wonderful ways to follow how to honor our parents..thanks for this beautiful article..i loved it..

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    • Thank you so much for this! I’ve been disrespectful towards my parents. Especially my dad. Yup, it is true our parents are not perfect and even so I should respect them. This article really helped. God bless!

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  17. very good article, I feel lately I’ve been disrespectful to my parents…too disrespectful and its not fair to them, they’re great parents and I love em to pieces and thx to this article I think I’m going to fix my ways, we all gotta start somewhere right?

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  18. I had an argument with my mom, even though I was right and she admitted she was wrong. I feel very bad. After reading this article I feel so grateful for having parents. Good article by the way.

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    • Parents are nothing but our God .they tell us about their previous experience and on that basis they guide us so also sacrifice their dreams for us also we should sacrifice something big not but small small our sacrifice for their decision . We must proud feel for our parents always in life I thought my parents decision always like God decision for me and I treat that decision.

      Reply

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