Dear Mr. Dad: Like a lot of parents, I do my best. But I can’t help but think that I could be doing better. How can I tell if I’m doing a good job or not?
A: The fact that you think you’re not doing a good job and that you care enough to learn more is a pretty good indication that you are, in fact, a good parent (or at least a good-enough one). In my experience, the parents who are supremely confident that they’re always right, and who never ask for help or input, are usually the worst. Here, in particular order, are a few more signs that you’re on the right track:
- Your child has failed at something—and you just stood there and let it happen. Way too many parents try to protect their children from feeling the sting of disappointment or inconvenience. Skinned knees build character. When you let children fail—but discuss it later and talk about what they learned from the experience—you’re teaching perseverance and the value of hard work.
- Your children are interested in things that you’re not. The fact that your kids are passionate about something they know you might not like is a sign that they know your support is unconditional and that you’re more interested in helping them become the best versions of themselves instead of turning them into mini-me’s.
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