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What makes a good parent?

29 Answers
Last Updated: 05/03/2021 at 1:27pm
What makes a good parent?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
Roadie
- Expert in Parenting
December 19th, 2014 11:39pm
Being a good parent really is broken down simply love, care, and support. I like to think that my role as a parent is to prepare my children for their future through developing them into people that are kind-hearted, generous-spirited, socially-active, responsible, well-mannered, innovative, and independent. A lot is said in the media about what is and what is not a good parent. The role has likely never been so scrutinised. However, if you keep it simple, show true love, care, and support as a parent, and prioritise quality time and attention with your children. You will be a good parent :)
Anonymous
June 24th, 2020 6:53pm
Raising a child is one of the most challenging and fulfilling activities in the world because it includes managing family life and the experiences at schools. While we all strive to be good parents, it is hard to be effective parents. The best thing we could do is finding the best practices of what it means to be effective parents and utilzing them in our everyday interactions. This is especially true to ensure that young children receive proper nourishment. Some of the most important toolboxes any parent can use are choosing the words used to communicate carefully and showing compassion where compassion is deserved. One of the many things many parents have been doing is spending more time on educational activities. These educational activities include reading to their young children, asking questions, and teaching useful skills. As a matter of fact, parents are spending more time on these activities than previous generations. An important outcome of these educational activities include heightening the children's awareness on how school life can be fun and intriguing at the same time. Ultimately, the most important thing to take away from this response is that becoming an effective parent takes a lot of time and effort.
MissLisa
- Expert in Parenting
October 8th, 2014 7:43am
A good parent is someone who is always there for their child. Who listens and supports them throughout all off lives challenges and who loves them despite their decisions.
Alwaysdreamin
- Expert in Parenting
April 22nd, 2015 10:08pm
A good parent is not a perfect parent. A good parent takes care of themselves so they can take care of their children. A good parent always advocates for the needs of their children and does their best to have active communication with their children. A good parent can come in a sizes, shapes, colors, and forms. A good parent can live anywhere. A good parent wants what is best for their children. They are a parent, not necessarily their child's best friend. They ask their children to help at home and be a part of the family team. If you asked this question, then you are considered, in my opinion, a good parent because you are asking this question. Good job.
bloundo1995
August 18th, 2015 5:06pm
A good parent is someone who protects there children from the dangers of the world but at the same time lets them make there own decisions even if they may be wrong. Support them no matter what, even if they make mistakes and help them up on there feet once they have fallen. It is important for a child to learn by there mistakes rather than them being shielded from the world. Otherwise, when they are older and they must make there own choices they will be wiser. And when they fail to make the right decision they will learn from there mistakes and have there pa rents to help them back up on there feet again,.
Hanneshere
December 17th, 2014 5:37pm
Empathy and the capability to respect decisions made that are not directly harmful. A good parent is not your best friend but rather a guide.
PhoebeKK
November 4th, 2014 12:21pm
Being better than your parents.
Anonymous
February 8th, 2016 11:19am
Nobody has all the answers on how to be a good parent! do what you think is best, be loving and have fun. a child teaches a parent as much as a parent teaches a child. Be there when they need you kiss and hug them regular and tell them you love them all the time. You will be a good parent if you are there to support,love talk to and pick up the pieces when you have to. Enjoy every minute good or bad and be proud of what you have achieved 😊
brilliantSpace49
January 3rd, 2015 4:34am
A good parent is someone who understands thier child and accepts them for who they are. Good parents show thier children thar they are supported and loved by them while teaching them what is right and what is wrong. A good parent isnt just a parent, they are a friend to thier child, a doctor, a counselor, but most of all thier childs biggest fan that not only tells them they love them but shows it.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 8:53pm
When the child can go to you for almost anything. If the child feels they are loved. If the child feels cared for and is being taught by the parents. If the parents are there for each other as well. A good parent is someone who is a good person to their kid and themselves.
flight
December 29th, 2014 2:19am
A good parent is supportive and understanding about what their child wants and feels. That is the main thing.
Here4you22
September 30th, 2014 7:27pm
A good parent loves unconditionally, supports, cares, and acknowledges that perfection doesn't exist
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2015 1:04pm
Respect and recognize the needs of children and demand a space in their lives is one of the characteristics of a good parent.
bentley2224
November 7th, 2014 12:32pm
Someone that is there for their child. Someone who can nuture their child. Someone who will teach their child right from wrong.
cal1860
May 5th, 2016 4:19pm
share and encourage their interests, have a second childhood with them - play with them and enjoy it, make learning fun, read stories to them at bed-time. when they're older, respect boundaries and allow them to make and learn from their mistakes, advise and guide them as they prepare for adult life. most importantly, love them - tell them you do and show it with hugs and smiles. ask them for their opinion about events. listen to their concerns and protect them from danger.
originalForest99
June 26th, 2016 8:21am
I think they best you can do is be there for your children when they are happy,sad or angry or anything really and support them and advise them and at times listen....really listen to them because most of the times when your children want to tell them something they won't say it directly.Always lead them by example and sometimes children do stupid stuff but keep your calm and instead of going all hulk sit then down and while being firm gently make them understand and keep showing them that you love them.
Anonymous - Expert in Parenting
May 16th, 2015 1:23am
Being a loving person, supporting your child and providing for them. Be there for them no matter what. As long as they know that you're there for them, you will not only be a good parent, you'll be a great parent!
BestMotivationer
June 22nd, 2016 4:56pm
To me being a good parent is loving, caring, and everything a child wants in a parent. Which is to know that you will always be there for them, and help them through tough times in life. To let your child know that you can be trusted and depended on. That you can there for them and help them out to be the person they want to be in life.
HelpingHand315
August 23rd, 2016 7:30pm
Be loving, accepting and forgiving. Never tell the child they were a mistake, and dont make them feel useless. however keep in mind that we're all human and we will make mistakes and it's okay.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2017 6:45pm
Every child and every parent are different. There are no set rules to making a good parent. Each family is unique. Making time for my family, being affectionate, trying to be a good role model, learning to say no and making time for myself, for me personally are some of the essentials. One mistake parents tend to make is comparing themselves to others. Not everyone is on the same path and everyone has different ideals and thoughts on bringing up a family. That's fine. Do what's best for you and your family.
Anonymous
July 25th, 2016 1:48am
A love for the child and a desire to improve are invaluable. Other skills can be learned, such as consistency with good boundaries and rules, and raising them to be productive adults with good morals.
ChirpCheep
May 27th, 2019 5:17am
In the early stages of a child’s life, a good parent is one who is very patient. You look after the safety and well-being of your child and make sure they are in a loving environment. As the child gets older, you try to understand their perspective. Any parent can scold their child for not following the rules. A good parent will listen to the child with the intention of understanding. Good solutions come from a better understanding of the problem. A good parent is also one who is involved in the child’s life. Talk to them about what is important to them. Play games and teach them about the world ❤️
Anonymous
November 21st, 2017 8:07am
Someone who will care for an nurture the unique individual before them, and not project any requirements onto the budding individual, any needs to become anything too specific. I believe that is their choice to make, as they mature, and too often parents can push a child to specialize before they have a chance to realize, their unique gifts, which might not manifest until after puberty even. Keeping as open a mind as possible makes a good parent.
sweetgrandpa
January 7th, 2020 6:49pm
A good father should do what has to be done for the good of the family, love his family even if it means sacrifice, and educate in the way it should be, without just wanting to please everyone, because it is not and never will be possible. . Loving means giving without thinking of receiving, just because your child is who he was born to be, yet embracing, loving and caring is mandatory. And when the son looks into his eyes and says: -You are the best father in the world! All this will make perfect sense ... ;)
madihahadi
September 6th, 2020 5:32pm
What traits do good parents have in common? Are there certain things that someone does that makes him or her a good parent (or not a good parent)? Of course, the definition of a good parent isn't something that's fixed or absolute. What may seem like the traits of a good parent to one person may not fit that definition for someone else. But generally speaking, these traits and habits can be found in parents who are practicing good parenting skills. Parents naturally want their kids to succeed and may push, prod, bribe, demand, or even threaten kids with punishment to get them to practice an instrument, excel at a sport, achieve top grades and so on. The fact is, being a Tiger Mom (or Dad) isn't likely to get your child further than giving kids lots of support, and gently nudging if and when they need it.
Anonymous
April 13th, 2021 4:36pm
A good parent is someone who takes the time to be compassionate towards their child. One that listens to their frustrations, allows them to feel, and takes time to be with them. A good parent is one that has an authoritative parenting style in which they are responsive to their child's emotional needs while still having high standards. These type of parents are consistent with their boundaries, are highly responsive, and give their children what they need to succeed. Parents who use this type of parenting style can raise children who are more likely to be independent, self-reliant, academically successful, and well-behaved. These children are less likely to have depression, anxiety, and engage in antisocial behavior. It also encourages their children to recognize how they feel and how that might correlate to their behavior
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2021 1:27pm
A good parent is a parent who worries about being a good parent. Building healthy relationships, setting good examples, creating good habits, and meeting the basic needs for children provide them with a great parent. In the long run, the best parenting style is what works for you and your family, whether it’s permissive parents or authoritative parents, this depends on what style you decide. If your child is giving you a hard time, this does not label you as a bad parent. The best advice I have heard for parenting is to be their parent, and not their friend.
Candid0211
April 2nd, 2018 10:32pm
Being there for your kids makes a good parent. However the catch is - its not about the physical presence. The feeling that your kids can come to you in time of need and you will have their back, is what they need. Broadly.. i always say there should be an instruction guide for Parenting but unfortunately its a hands on job. Keep learning keep growing.
MorningLight
November 7th, 2014 2:39pm
Parenting is so difficult to define because society places its' own expectations on it. Most important is placing your child first and doing whatever it takes to care for them.