When we become parents, a lot of changes. With a baby around, even your sleep pattern will look different. Your relationship with your parents has probably changed a fair bit since birth, too. Sometimes, that change can be positive. Many of us realize that we don’t appreciate what our parents did until we’re trying to tackle parenting ourselves. This can bring us closer than ever.

But, more often than we care to admit, things go the opposite way. Once you have a child, it’s not unusual to neglect your relationship with your parents. You have a lot on your plate all of a sudden, and they may not even cross your mind.

This is terrible news, as both you and your parents are entering a time when you need each other. As your parents' age, they’ll become more reliant on your help. And, as you embark on this journey, you could more than benefit from parental advice. If you’re making the following mistakes, then, it’s past time you put a little more effort into one of the most significant relationships in your life.

You go months without visiting

Even when we live down the road from our parents, we can slip into the habit of not visiting for months on end. But, keeping up a visiting schedule is essential for keeping this relationship strong. Though it may mean a little effort, you’ll be glad you made it. Visiting your parents at least once a week gives them a chance to see their grandkids, and you a chance for a break. If you go months without visiting right now, then, it’s past time you put your parents in your calendar.

You aren’t keeping on top of their health

You have so much to worry about keeping your kids healthy that you don’t pay any attention to your parents' health. As they age, though, taking an active interest in their health journey is essential. That way, you can make sure they don’t avoid hospital appointments. Knowing what’s happening also puts you in the best position to arrange hospital discharge care and the like which they might not bother with themselves. In short; keeping on top means your kids have healthy grandparents for a long time to come. And, of course, it ensures you do right by your parents in later life.

You never extend invites

The chances are that you spend plenty of time going on family outings. But, have you ever invited your parents? Seeing snaps of your adventures on Facebook probably creates even more of a divide. Your parents would most likely appreciate an invite sometimes. That way, you could nurture this relationship without even needing to go out of your way to do it.

Keeping up with your parents isn’t easy when you’re a parent, but it is essential. A strong family unit is best for everyone, including your kids. If you’re guilty of neglect right now, then, work fast to turn things around before it’s too late.