Adulting is hard, right? Who really wants to grow up? Unfortunately, it’s that time of year when you have to act like a grown-up because your parents are visiting you.
Get up off the couch, throw away the bag of chips you were eating and turn off Netflix. It’s time to impress your parents because they’re coming to see you and they want to be sure that you’ve transformed into a functional adult.
Here are some ways you can impress your parents while they’re with you.
1. Make A Fancy Meal
Nothing warms a mother’s heart like the knowledge that her child is well-fed. Forget the fact that you’ve been eating out at restaurants with friends and living off of Ramen noodles and grilled cheese on weeknights. Make a nice homemade meal for your parents to enjoy while they visit you.
Better yet, make it fancy! This task doesn’t have to be difficult. Try out a recipe for Lemon Chicken Piccata or Honey-Glazed Salmon. Add a bag of salad and throw a loaf of French bread in your oven and you’re set! If you really want to look like someone who knows what they’re doing, make some dessert. These Mini Cherry Cheesecake Truffles are a good place to start.
2. Save On Energy
Your dad is bound to walk through your apartment or house and comment on ways you can save on your electricity bill. Beat him to the punch by investing in some compact fluorescent lamp lights.
Use CFL lights instead of incandescent — not only do they look like curly Cheetos (just me? OK…), they also use less energy. They may cost a bit more up front, but they will save you money in the long run and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Give your dad that news and impress him with your light bulb knowledge!
3. Clean Your House or Apartment
This is a must, especially if your parents are staying at your place overnight. They watched you grow up, and they told you to clean your room a million times. They will know that you’re officially an adult when they walk into your home and find it spotless. Clean the bathroom and kitchen, too! Leave no trace of any gross residues from last night’s pizza.
4. Do Your Laundry
Some parents love to snoop. So don’t just pile up clean (or dirty) laundry on your bed and keep the door closed until they leave. Wash and dry your laundry, fold it and put it away. It will speak volumes to your maturity when your mother casually opens your bedroom door and doesn’t find a pile of clothes anywhere on the floor.
5. Spend Some Quality Time With Them
That’s all they really want, anyway! Show them around and eat out at your favorite restaurant. Drive them by the place where you work and maybe even introduce them to a friend or two. You won’t regret making your parents’ day by spending a few hours of intentional time with them. This is a great way to remind your parents that you value them each and every day.
Complete this list and your parents will see you as the responsible adult they always wanted you to become, even if you really aren’t ~quite~ there yet.
