Parenting

What It Really Means to Be a Parent

It is often commonplace to associate parenting with nappies, feeds, and the endless amount ofย toys. But there is so much more to parenting than that. For me, being a parent is about maintaining a child’s innocence, while at the same time, shaping who they later become in life.

I am often complimented on how well-behaved my children are. And this is a compliment I gladly accept, simply because it is something I work on everyday. As a ‘stay at home mother’ of three, I pride myself on teaching my children manners, morals and respect for others, as well as themselves.

I believe that when you a parent, you not only have a responsibility to your children, but to other children as well. The things you teach your children could directly or indirectly have an impact on others, and that is something I take very seriously.

Children will sometimes stray, do things out of character or out of the norm; but in part, we must accept responsibility for their actions. As parents, WE are the ones teaching them right from wrong. WE are the ones modelling behaviour for them. WE are the ones showing them how to treat other people.

When I look at my children, I am so incredibly proud to be their mother. Like all children, they have their moments, their tantrums, and their unpredictable behaviour; but I know that I am doing the best job that I can. They always have a smile on their face, enjoy the simple things that children do; but at the same time, are growing up to be such beautiful people. And by realising what it really means to be a parent, I am giving them the best start in life.

Thuy Le (formerly known as Thuy Yau) is a freelance writer and Youth Work graduate living in Perth, Australia. She loves to share her own personal experiences about overcoming adversity, as she believes that human beings are more capable than they realise. She writes to make a positive difference in the world and to inspire others to learn from themselves and their own experiences. Her writing has been discussed on radio, won writing contests, appeared on The Huffington Post UK and major Australian sites such as news.com.au, SMH, Kidspot and Essential Kids. She has just completed her first book โ€“ a memoir - and is on the search for a publisher.

7 thoughts on “What It Really Means to Be a Parent

  1. As parents it is also our responsibility to realize our children are individuals and will do things that we don’t like or agree with with.as parents it’s our responsibility to educate our kids as best we can whilst encouraging them to grow and learn their own way.whilst a child is a reflection of you it is wayl more important to know ur child is their own person who should be allowed to develop their own personality especially since the morals an rules we learn at home hardly ever work in the adult world. We need to teach out children how to have a strong sense of self not to be quiet an do as they are told without questions because as we no their is always someone willing to take advantage of the meek

    1. Hello, those are some valid points. I agree with you in that children will do things that we agree or disagree with – it is our job to support them no matter what.

      However, as for the morals and rules children learn at home, I believe they have a very significant place in the adult world. My parents were very hard on me, but I love them for that. When I remember all the effort they put into shaping me into a hard-working, well-mannered and respectful person, it makes me proud of all they did for me.

      The way they raised me at home taught me to be a good person, a good friend, a good wife and a good mother.

      As for being strong, I agree, I believe it is very important to stand up for what you want, but as long as you are respectful in the way you go about it.

      Thanks for the comment! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. @Amanda
    How do morals of being hard working, respecting other people and their property, and honesty not work in the real world ?

    I want to teach my kids that they should respect other people and their property, that does not mean they will turn out meek and do whatever they are told without question.

    As an adult, we are the ones responsible for teaching kids right and wrong.
    As an adult, we know what is acceptable behaviour, and what’s not.
    That’s what we should be teaching our kids.

    That does not mean that we restrict their growing in any way, shape, or form. That does not mean that they will grow up without a strong sense of self.
    We merely guide them on their journey into adult life with as much as we can teach them as possible.

  3. Thuy,

    Sounds to me like you are doing a great job. We need more moms like
    you in the world. There would be so much less trouble in the world if
    parents put in the time to take care of and teach their children.

    Think of all the school shootings, crime and other problems facing our
    youth. I strongly believe more parental involvement would reduce this.

    Here in the states, statistics show that most criminals are lacking
    parental, namely a father figure. There is a direct correlation
    between the two.

    There is no one right way to parent, but I think you dear lady are on
    the right path! Keep up the great work and keep those lovely girls
    smiling for as long as you can!

    Thanks for sharing this lovely post!

    Hugs from NYC! Angel..

    1. Hi Angel,

      Those are some lovely thoughts. I definitely agree with you. So often people take the responsibility away from the parents, when it is the mothers and fathers whose roles are most important.

      As parents, we are going to make mistakes along the way, but the biggest mistake of all is to give up. Our children need us to give them the best start in life.

      Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it ๐Ÿ™‚

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