Adults are sharing 10 things their parents did to make a positive difference in their lives as children

How a child is raised and the type of parenting followed have a lasting impact on their growth and development. The simplest gestures from a parent's end leave an indelible mark during childhood and become a vital factor in shaping personality and values. A parent–who goes by u/No-Butterscotch-6875 on Reddit–shared a post asking adults to reveal one thing their parents did that became a core memory for them. "I’d love to know positive memories from your childhood that stand out to you. (It) could be small things your parents said or did to make you feel safe and loved, family trips you may have taken, traditions or little things you did with your parents," the post read.

The parent further noted, "I want to be intentional with my children and give them a childhood that feels warm and happy and memorable. And I’d just love to hear others' positive experiences." With over 600 responses, people had surreal and heart-melting ways to express their gratitude for the things their parents did. Remarkably, parents did the simplest things, like listening and showing up, that left a mark on every child's heart. Now, as adults, they note that these seemingly subtle things played a major role in helping them bond with their parents and feel loved and accepted. 

1. Apologies

"My dad was never afraid to apologize. When I was about 8, I remember getting 'Big Red' all over his car. We had just left the car wash. When we got home he freaked out, yelled and screamed. I just sat and cried for a bit. Then he came out and sat with me and said that sometimes, dads mess up too. He said he understood I was just being curious and he wished he had explained his frustration more calmly. He hugged me and helped me wash the car again. I remember that he said mean things, but not what he said before the apology. I remember just about every word of that apology though." -u/sstr677

2. Showing up

"My dad showed up to everything. Every. Single. Thing. Spelling bee, Girl Scouts, cheerleading. When my cheer games overlapped with Buckeye games, he brought his walkman to listen to the game while he watched me cheer. He did the Girl Scout campouts with us. I’m 33, and I know that if I called him right this second to say I needed him, he’d be here immediately." -u/book-and-baking

3. Being tucked into bed

"Either one of my parents tucked me into bed every single night and told me they loved me until I was a teen. It meant the world to me now that I think back. I will be doing this when my little one goes into his own room." -u/hainii "I still tuck in my 19-year-old daughter. Mostly it's because I adore her and like ending my day near her, but I hope it's somehow being engraved on her heart and that she'll remember being cherished when she's grown and gone." -u/nikkinackpaddywhack

4. Being open-minded and attentive

"When I was a preteen/teenager, my dad would let me play whatever CD I wanted in his truck. I was an emo/goth/alternative kind of girl, so music was important to me and still is. He actually would give the music a chance and we ended up bonding over a bunch of bands you wouldn't guess he would even like, but it was so nice. Just pay attention to your kiddos. Let them talk to you about what they like, even if it isn't your favorite. They'll feel happy and comfortable talking to you about everything else later." -u/lisa_rae_makes

5. Parent-child dates

"For me, it was going to sporting events with my dad. We would watch the game, hang out with his friends after, get popcorn and a soda, talk about the game on the drive back. It made me feel like I was not only his son but also a buddy that he wanted to talk to and hang out with. I do the same thing with my boys now. Whether it be going to the movies, concerts, plays, whatever, including them in events you enjoy is a great way to bond and show love." -u/HangmanHummel

6. Creative communication

"My mom would leave notes in our lunches. I remember getting 'Happy Friday!' or 'Good luck on your game today!' type of notes. I’m tearing up just thinking about it." -u/JustAnotherPoster_ "My mom would leave me notes to read in the morning before school. She would leave the weirdest, silliest notes in the world. She'd come up with the funniest nicknames to call me. Sometimes, she'd remind me to do something in those notes, but it was mainly just funny ways to tell me to have a good day and that she loved me. I now leave similar notes in my daughter's lunchbox." -u/DrySquirrel4701

7. Love in action 

"Spaghetti was ready to serve with table set, right as I got home from track practice. The sunsetting rays would come through the windows and I could see the steam coming off food, the table set beautifully. This was such a treat as a young teenager, I can replay this scene in my head clear as day. The feeling of emptiness being filled with that warm homemade, healthy meal - yeah, that's love. -u/NocturneGrind_739" "It’s the consistency you can depend on every day that lets you know the love is always there." -u/Bambam60

8. Listen and amend

"Honestly, as an adult, my mom went to therapy when I asked her to. She made significant growth over the last few years and it’s allowed us to repair and deepen our relationship in a way I would have never imagined. It shows so much love and effort that at 60, she has learned how to take accountability and change how she treats us. It is my ongoing goal to always be willing to apologize to/listen to my kids." -u/hfdxbop

9. Having their back

"When I started driving and borrowing my mom's car to go to parties, she told me, 'If you ever can't drive for any reason, including drinking, call me; I don't care how late it is. I won't give you a hard time when I come get you and we can talk about whatever it is later. But I'd much rather you be safe and alive than feel like you have to hide something from me and do something dangerous.' I never ended up needing the offer, but I definitely felt much safer knowing I had an ace in my pocket." -u/Dowager-queen-beagle

10. Prioritizing them 

"I was bullied a lot as a kid and as I got older, my dad adjusted his work schedule so he could come home early every day and spend time with me after school. He even rejected a promotion after knowing it would mean less family time. The things we did, didn’t matter, but the conversation and support did. He made me feel like someone enjoyed spending time with me or wanted to hear my opinions and interests when I was most alone. He was the only friend I had for years and I probably wouldn’t be alive today if he hadn’t shown that kind of interest." -u/mamabird2020