Review on Characteristics of a Good Parent According to North American Culture

I read some North American's books, articles and blogsdoing so, they actually get a sense of being loved and
on the topic, "What makes a good parent?" and madecared about by their parents. They might rebel at
a summary as the following.those boundaries, but inwardly enjoy knowing that
A person who loves his or her children unconditionallyconcerned parents love them. Limit TV and internet
Children need a lot of attention, time and love. Love isuse. No kid needs a TV in his or her room. And it's
the great motivator to raise a happy child. Love yourrarely advisable to allow an internet capable computer
children no matter what happens even sometimesin a child's room. Keep the entertainment machinery in
they may disappoint you, anger you, or evenfamily areas, and supervise its use.
disrespect you, but even during those times yourEnforce rules that apply to every person leading a
children should know that they are loved by you.happy and productive life. Be consistent and enforce
Because your children are in developmental stages,the same rules all the time, and resist your child's
they need your love and support.attempts to manipulate you into making exceptions.
Show love to your children everyday. A gentle cuddle,Communicate clearly to your children. Children should
a little encouragement, appreciation, approval or even abe very familiar with the consequences of their
smile can boost the confidence and well-being of youractions. If you give them a punishment, be sure they
children.understand the reason and the fault.
A role modelA person who promotes independence
Children emulate their parents. As a parent, you areDo not routinely do things for your children that they
your children's first role model. Pay attention to whatcan learn to do for themselves. Encourage
you say and what you do around them and thinkresponsibility by insisting they clean their room and
about what kind of example you are making. Modelmake their bed every morning. Even the youngest of
the behavior and character you hope your children willchildren can learn to tidy their room and clean up their
adopt and live by the rules you set.toys. As your child grows, give them more
A good listenerresponsibility.
Express your interest in your children and listen to theirA person who has good self-control
feelings, reactions, and opinions. Try to understand theirWhen you are in bad mood, control your temper well.
point of view.A book lover
A good friendProvide lots of good books to your children. Start to
A good parent enjoys and wants to play with his orread to your children early, and encourage kids to read
her children. No matter how busy you are, you shouldas much as they can.
spend time with your kids as possible as you can.A flexible person with principles
Children, especially at a young age, learn a lot throughAllow children to experience life for themselves, but do
play. For teenagers, talks to them frequently like anot just lose total control. Do not make decisions for
friend. For example, at dinner times talk to them aboutthem all the time; they must learn how to live so that
their school, and share your experiences with them asthey are ready when they are adults.
well.Do not strictly follow the parental behaviors of your
A good mentorculture or other defining factor. Each child is individual
A good parent will teach his or her children the valueand each parent loves their child. Please do not believe
of life to inform and advise them on what is right andthat there is only one way to raise a child.
wrong. While as a mentor, a parent should let the childLife is a great teacher. If the consequences are not
to choose which path to take as long as he or she isoverly severe, do not be too quick to rescue your child
capable to do it, but must be aware that you give thefrom the results of their own actions.
child all the information. A parent must allow the child toDo not push your child into pursuits that they are not
make his or her own decisions and to enable the childinterested in. Because parents often want the best for
to make his or her own mistakes as well.their children and assume that their idea is always
When your child acts out in a harmful and spitefulwhat is best, they tend to push kids. Let the children
manner, avoid criticism by focusing on his or herchoose their extra curricular pursuits.
behavior, tell the child that such behavior isA person who works together with school
unacceptable and suggest right ways. Avoid publicBe involved in the school. Visit your child's teachers at
humiliation. If your child misbehaves in public, take him oropen house, and get to know them. Ask questions
her aside, and scold your child privately.regarding how your child is performing and interacting
A person who respects his or her child's individualitywith other students. Make sure that you are checking
Avoid comparing your children to others, especiallyhomework, but not doing it for your child. Ask your child
siblings. Each child is individual and unique. Celebratequestions about his or her day and find out what he or
their differences and instill in each child the desire toshe likes and dislikes on his or her learning experience.
pursue their interests and dreams.Be involved and proactive in getting to know the
Teach your children that it is okay for them to beenvironment of the children that your child attaches to.
different and they do not have to follow the crowd.Get to know the other children and their parents. Your
Teach them right from wrong when they are young,child will learn many things from his or her friends and
and they will always be able to make their ownbe affected by them as well.
decisions, instead of listening to others.An optimist
Recognize your children's individuality. Every child isPraise your children as possible as you can. Celebrate
unique. Even though your children may resemble you,the good thing your child has done, even the small
they are not you. Consider the individuality of each childthings in a positive way.
a blessing and pursue ways to expand on that. OpenA patient person
your mind to the possibilities.No one is perfect, children make mistakes as adults do.
An education promoterBe patient to your children's setbacks, give them your
Invest your children's education, both intellectual andsupport, never give up.
moral. Make sure your children can read and write andIt is very difficult to judge a parent on the way that
think well. Be bravely counter-cultural whereverthey choose to raise their children. Each parent has his
necessary. Discourage obsession with dating andor her own impression of what makes a parent a
romance. Protect your vulnerable children from thegood parent or a bad one. As long as the child is
most damaging aspects of your popular culture.healthy and happy, then the parents are doing the best
A person who promotes disciplinethat they can. Good parents are not judged by how
Discipline your children. Choose the method that worksmuch money they spend on their child but by how
best for your children. Set boundaries such asmuch love they give to their child.
bedtimes, so they learn that they have limitations. By