5 Characteristics Of Great Parents
I’m far from being a perfect parent. In fact, I’m afraid no such human exist that I’ve met. However, I have been a parent for over 20 years. Even better I was raised by two great parents. Plus, I’ve had a close up view of many other great parents. Here are five things that set apart the great parents from the average.
#1 RESPONSIBLE
The first thing any parent must decide is will they step up to the plate. Will you embrace your God-given responsibility? Many can become a mother or father. However, only the great ones choose to play the role of a momma or daddy. The first step every great parent takes is choosing to show up for duty. Don’t act like a child yourself. Choose to help raise the child God has placed under your care.
#2 INVOLVED
Great parents don’t just make excuses for their absence. Instead, they choose to keep their priorities in rightful order. You see faith and family go hand in hand. In fact, your primary mission field should be your family. Great parents make time to be involved in their kids’ lives whatever it takes. Their presence goes a long way in their children knowing they are supported.
#3 AWARE
Great parents stay alert and aware of what’s happening both inside and outside the home. They look for ways to protect, encourage, and guide forward their children. They realize the devil is always looking for easy prey. So, they continue to pray and parent daily. They don’t assume everything is alright. Instead, they seek to stay aware of their children’s physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well being. For them parenting is not a single event, but a nonstop work in progress.
#4 LOVING
Great parents leave no doubt they love their children. They purposely show it and communicate it when possible. They know love builds a bridge like no other. Great parents make sure their kids know they are loved no matter what they do or don’t do in this life.
#5 EXAMPLE
Let’s face it some parents don’t even make good chaperones. Sadly, many kids have to raise their own parents. Great parents know the best way to lead is by example. They know their own actions speak louder than any speech. Sure, we all fall short from time to time. However, great parents own even the messy moments and seek to lead by example in everything they do.
Now, this is not an exhaustive list of great parent qualities. These things should however make any parent’s top five. Personally, I’m still growing and striving to learn how to be a great parent. I know I’ll continue make mistakes. But, I refuse to be an average parent in a world that needs us all to man our post.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Pastor Craig Crosby 