Everyone makes mistakes, and when you have kids, you wind up making a lot of them, some of which your kids never let you forget. But moms and dads get a lot of things right as well and a new Reddit thread is highlighting those parenting wins. It asks, “Adults with a healthy, close relationship with your parents … what do you think fostered that in your childhood?”
People are sharing the things their parents did when they were kids that they appreciate now that they’re adults, including:
- “I think one of the reasons I was close with my mom is from early childhood, she validated my feelings even if she didn’t understand or agree with them.”
- “As they were quite fulfilled in their professions, they never tried to live through me or pushed me in a certain direction. I had the freedom to explore and experiment.”
- “They said this over and over again: 'We wanted/planned to have you and your brother.’”
- “My parent’s understanding of mental health and talking about emotions.”
- “They were always respectful of me. If I’d ask a question that, from an adult perspective, was really dumb, they’d be happy to answer and explain even though it’d inconvenience them. It made me feel respected and was a great foundation for my relationship with them as an adult.”
- “They always treated me (and my brother) like a PERSON that they were in charge of helping learn and grow, as opposed to treating me like a pet or punching bag or perfect little robot.”
- “I'm friends with my parents as an adult because they didn't try to be my friend when I was a child.”
- “They spent time with me, and not in the smothering helicopter sense. My mom in particular was quite clear about not preventing us from experiencing the consequences of our stupidity but would help patch me up afterward.”
- “They genuinely tried their best. It wasn't until I grew up, and had a partner, job, and bills to pay, that I realized the thinking, decisions, and sacrifices they made to give me the best go at a life they could.”
- “My parents' had the willingness to show that they're just people who don't have it all together, admit when they're wrong, and are willing to learn.”
Source: Reddit
Scott's Thoughts:
- Treating kids like they’re real people is good? Who knew?
- With a divorce it was hard but I tried to treat my kids like people.
- I guess I was more the fun parent.