Episode #202 Call Your Parents
Many of our most important and enduring relationships are a brief phone conversation away from greater closeness and intimacy. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Tyler Schwanz reflect on the simple practice of loving those who have loved us first.
Show Notes
You never know how many days you have left. There is probably going to be a day when I go to call my parents and they don’t answer, or they can’t.Dr. Tyler Schwanz
Five Problems
- Tomorrow is never guaranteed, not only for ourselves but also for the people we love.
- As our dependence on our parents decreases, the geographical and relational distance between us often increases as well.
- Every time we share a space with our parents, we are drawing closer to the last time.
- Our parents often avoid calling us due to fear that they will be a burden, so it is our responsibility to pick up the phone first.
- We typically only call our parents to ask for cash, to share a concern, or to express criticism.
Five Principles
- Even small relational investments can cultivate large relational impacts.
- One of the greatest joys in life is to simply spend time with one’s children.
- We will one day need our children more than they need us.
- It is easier to care for our aging parents if we maintain a relationship with them throughout our adult lives.
- One of the best things we can do for our physical health is to connect with other people.
Three Practices
- Prioritize your relationship with family members as you would with any other friend.
- Set a weekly or monthly reminder to initiate with your parents or parent figures.
- Cold-call a former mentor to express your appreciation for their impact on your life.
Related Dimensions
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