There’s no one “right” way to parent, especially since every situation — and every child — is different. However, that hasn’t stopped the barrage of parenting gurus and “coaches” penning endless books, launching podcasts, and making millions off of telling parents around the world how to raise happy, healthy kids. It’s enough to make you feel paralyzed with self-doubt as to whether you’re doing a good job. If you can relate to any of the following, we promise you are.
1. Your child feels loved.
If your child knows they’re loved and cherished, you’re doing something right. This sense of security is the backbone of their self-esteem and emotional well-being. They know that no matter what happens or how badly they mess up, your love and support are unconditional.
2. Your child can express their feelings.
If your child feels comfortable expressing how they’re feeling around you, it’s a sign you’ve created a safe and supportive environment. This openness fosters strong communication skills and emotional intelligence in your child. They know that you won’t judge, belittle, or brush their feelings aside but will truly listen and empathize with them.
3. You set boundaries.
Setting boundaries and enforcing them consistently teaches your child respect and responsibility. It’s a sign of effective parenting and helps your child understand the importance of rules in society. It also provides them with valuable structure and stability in their lives.
4. Your child is curious and willing to learn.
If your child shows a willingness to try new things, it shows you’ve fostered a love for learning in them. This eagerness to learn can fuel their academic success and personal growth in the long run. It also means they’ll always be open to new experiences and perspectives in life, which will help them become the best version of thesmelves.
5. You listen to your child.
Listening to your child shows them their thoughts and feelings are important. When your child feels heard, it nurtures their self-expression and boosts their self-confidence. They develop a healthy sense of self because they feel valued and that their thoughts and feelings are important.
6. Your child feels comfortable making mistakes.
If your child knows it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them, you’ve taught them an essential life skill. This acceptance encourages resilience and a growth mindset. It’s extra helpful if you’re okay with watching them fall sometimes, knowing that this allows them to learn the art of picking themselves up and persevering.
7. You apologize when you’re wrong.
Parents are human and make mistakes too. If you apologize when you’re wrong, you’re teaching your child accountability and humility, showing them that it’s okay to admit when they’ve made a mistake. They’ll be much more likely to hold their hands up and accept when they’ve done something wrong as a result.
8. You encourage independence.
Teaching your child to do things on their own fosters independence and boosts their confidence. It’s an important step in preparing them for adulthood and the challenges they’ll eventually face on their own. As tempting as it is to wrap them up in cotton and protect them from everything, teaching them the value of forging their own path is invaluable.
9. Your child has empathy.
If your child can empathize with others, it’s a sign you’ve taught them kindness and compassion. This emotional intelligence is key in building strong, healthy relationships in their lives.
10. Your child feels safe.
Creating a safe and secure environment for your child is one of the most important roles of a parent. If your child feels safe, you’re doing a great job, especially since this sense of security is fundamental to their overall well-being. They need to know that as scary as the world can be sometimes, you’ll always be a safe place to land.
11. You encourage their interests.
If you take an active interest in your child’s hobbies and passions, you’re encouraging their individuality and self-expression. This reinforces your child’s self-esteem and shows them that their interests are valued. Encourage them to take part in things that make them feel happy and fulfilled, and show up to support them when they do.
12. You teach them about respect.
If you’re teaching your child to respect other people, regardless of their differences, you’re doing a great job. This includes not only respect for other people, but also for animals, the environment, and cultural diversities.
13. You make time for them.
Spending quality time with your child is fundamental. If you’re consistently making time for them despite your busy schedule, it shows them that they’re a priority in your life. It doesn’t matter how hectic work is or how many other “adult” things you have going on — quality time with your kids needs to be at the top of your list of priorities.
14. You maintain a consistent routine.
Children thrive on routine. If you’ve established a consistent routine in their lives, it’s a sign you’re providing the stability and predictability that children need to feel secure.
15. You’re their role model.
If you’re living by the values you teach, demonstrating good behavior, and setting a positive example for your child, you’re doing well as a parent. Children learn more from what they see than what they hear. Lead by example and you can’t go wrong.
16. You take care of yourself.
Good parenting also involves taking care of your own physical and mental health. If you’re taking time for self-care, it shows your child the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle and prioritizing their own well-being.
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