I guess we all want to know what makes a good parent. Personally, I think that parenting is the most difficult and fulfilling job we will ever accomplish in our lives.
So what makes a good parent?
It’s really subjective to say what makes a good parent, really. Each and everyone of us have different opinions and ideas.
Today, I’ll share with you what I think that makes up a good parent.
I invite inputs from you at the bottom of this post. Share your ideas, experience and thoughts with me.
Okay, so what makes a good parent?
The fact that you want to know what makes a good parent and are looking to learn from the advice of others is a great start!
These are a few of many ways of what I think makes a great parent.
Have A Healthy Marriage
One of the best things you can do for your children and family is to have a happy and healthy marriage. But sometimes, things get really though and we all know this is not always possible.
However,you can do your best to provide a model for your children as to how to be in a healthy relationship. If you do not have one, bring good examples of friends and family members into their life who can be a good model and mentor them as they grow older.
If you need to strengthen your marriage, I highly recommend checking out the book by Dr Lee Baucom.
Be A Satisfied and Self Fulfilled Parent
I noticed that it is incredibly common for women, especially, to ignore their own emotional and physical health to be there for your children. I know this from my own experience throughout these years of bringing up my children.
I feel that it is extremely important for your children to see you stimulated, learning, fulfilled and happy.
If you are feeling fulfilled and happy, you will find it is much easier to deal appropriately with your children.
If you are unhappy you will be much more likely to use criticisms and anger.
Honesty Is The Best Policy
Be honest with your children.
If they are not the best artist in the world, you don’t have to tell them the art is amazing. Tell them how you feel, if they tried really hard, tell them that you like the artwork, but you love the effort behind it so much more. If there was no effort you can always say, “I like it, but I LOVE you, and it reminds me of you, so it’s going on the refrigerator.”
If you don’t know the answer to a question they ask you, don’t make it up. Use it as an opportunity to look up the answer together. Maybe take them to the library or even to the Google search engine. Do things together.
If you are angry at them and are feeling like you can’t control your anger. Tell them you are angry and so that you need to take a break. They can wait in their room or on a chair while you calm down and decide what to do.
Being honest with your child creates learning opportunities. Make sure to not reveal things which they are too young to handle.
Ask Forgiveness For Mistakes You Made
We all make mistakes, even good parents !
However, good parents will admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness can happen before, during, or after the mistake. Admitting to mistakes will show your children that its ok not to be perfect and how to act responsibly when they mess up (because inevitably we all will.)
Ask for Help When You Need It
When you are noticing a problem with your child that you don’t know how to handle, do not ignore it. Ask experienced parents for help. This can be your own parents, or others that you respect.
If your child is dealing with depression, self image problems or behavioral problems do research on those specific issues. Although you should not blindly trust all professionals, there are many ways to deal with an issue that may be helpful in your situation.
You can check out Mark Hutten’s program if you ever need a professional with years of experience to help you.
Use Discipline and Positive Reinforcement
In my opinion, good parents will reinforce positive behaviors and discipline negative behaviors. While I do not in any way encourage physical disciplinary techniques, I think it important to have boundaries in a home.
So, there you go. That’s what I think about what makes up a good parent.
What do you think?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I think that all the points mentioned are very relevent and help mak eour children wonderful human beings.
Its also important to be their friends.we need to keep talking to them on various issues that affect todays society and influence todays children. They jave to be guided as to what is right and what is wrong through healthy discussions.
I feel Parenting should not be gauged as good, bad, excellent or anything as this will bring stress in parents to be ‘good’. Parenting evolves everyday as every child and his/her behaviour is unique. I feel we are parents should do our best, based on the knowledge, experience drawn from our own childhood, parenthood and from others and leave the rest for the child to shape their own lives, as they have come with their own agenda in life as well.
Hai..
I am very agree with all the points mentioned.Mom or dad are role models for children.Some children confuse about their parents.What parents did, their children will do the same.If you want your children good so you have to be good first.