What Does It Mean To Be A Parent?

The role of “parent” has a broad definition. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a parent is a person who brings up and cares for another.

However, being a parent does not necessarily mean that you biologically passed your genetics to a child. A parent can take on different forms, such as stepparent, grandparent, legal guardian, or a combination.

Regardless of the form, the following remains constant: A parent’s job is to raise children to be the best men and women that they can be. It’s a huge responsibility, one that requires patience, love, and understanding.

For many people, being a parent means:

1. You take care of your child.

Physically and emotionally, you are your child’s caretaker. You often put your child’s needs before your own.

2. You are a provider.

Your see to it that there’s food on the table for your child.

3. You are a protector.

You try your best to keep your child safe.

4. You love your child.

The love that a parent has for his or her child is incomparable. In addition, your child may become your world, “your everything.”

5. You are a counselor and a confidant.

Because you have your child’s best interests at heart, you are in a good position to give sound advice. You encourage your child to reach for the stars.

6. You are a teacher.

Whether teaching a child how to walk, or the difference between right and wrong, or how to conduct oneself in social settings, and everything in between, a parent’s job as teacher is never done.

7. You are a role model.

Children imitate their parent’s behavior. Your child’s little eyes always watching, ao you do your best to lead by example.