Characteristics of a Good Parent

Raising a child can be very difficult. Children learn how to be adults from none other than adults themselves. Parents need to be willing to teach their children. In my opinion, there are key things that a parent needs to do to be a "good" parent.

Parents need to be good listeners. They are sometimes too quick to judge their children's actions and words that they do not hear them cry for love, attention or help. Parents need to listen to their child's feelings and reactions to things. Also, they need to let them have their own opinions and voice them too. They should look at their child and show them that they are listening to them. Understanding their point of view and where they are coming from also will help one to be a good parent.

If parents want their child to do what is right, I think that they need to set an example by also doing what is right. Children should be taught how to be responsible, caring, hardworking and patient from watching and learning these traits from their parents.

Making time and traditions for your family is another part of being a good parent. True, many parents do have to work a lot to provide their family with the things they need. Spoiling children does not mean parents don't need to show love and spend quality time with their kids. Parents should invest time, not money into their children. Children shouldn't have to ask if they are important to their parents to know. They should just know. The time a parent puts into their family and the traditions they have will always be there.

Parents should respect their child's interests and get involved in their life. They should participate in activities that they all can enjoy. Parents should try out new things that their child likes.

Unconditional Love is the key to being a good parent. Parents need to love their children no matter what. If a child doubts a parent's love for them, the parent is not being a good one. Even when a child is disappointing, angering, or disrespecting their parents, they should still feel like they are loved. Parents should Love their child's imperfections.

Parents should identify with their children. They should try and admit that they make the same mistakes that the children make. Kids just want somebody to talk to; someone who knows them good. Parents should have a good sense of humor, but they should not laugh at their child