How do you know if your a good parent?

[angelawarhol]

      It all depends on love. Patients....and structure...every parent is different but there are certain standards that some don't go by and fail at...what do u think?

[samrhett2]

It doesn't matter how good of a parent I was, I would always feel inadequate.  I guess will always feel like I could do more or could do better.  I think it is such an important job that it is hard to ever feel that you have done enough.  I just do what I think is right and pray for the wisdom to know what to do next.  As a single mom, it is hard because you don't have someone else to back you up or to even discuss things with.  I know that I am just doing the best that I can to teach right from wrong and about love and how to treat people.

[Getinonthis]

Umm that's a good question, I guess when you enjoy what you're doing in regards to your kids,
when their well being matter most to you, when others are able to say you're a good parent without you
having to pretend, and this is something parents can relate to when you find yourself doing your kids homework
all by yourself ("He mommy!" Hey where you go, I didn't even know you left), or when you're alone and find yourself singing
a song of your kid's favorite cartoon. 

[gaylasue]

When you child puts their arms around your neck and tells you how much they love you.

[noirlupe]

I look at it as being a good parent when your grown children still come to you for help and advice.  That means that they count on your advice and know you love them and will always take care of them.

[samrhett2]

My 12 year old just watched a story on the news about teenagers drinking and doing drugs.  He said to me, "Mom, you know I will never do that , don't you?" 

I wish I did know that.  I hope he wont.  He is growing up so fast.

[sigmapi1501]

Are your children in jail, stripping, or Mormon?   No?  You're a good parent.

[Abrupt]

I always assumed it was best if your child treated you like one would expect a boss or teacher to be treated.  I don't think it is important to befriend ones child but I am likely unique and wrong in that regard.

[falcon9]

I always assumed it was best if your child treated you like one would expect a boss or teacher to be treated.  I don't think it is important to befriend ones child but I am likely unique and wrong in that regard.

According to Chris Rock at least; a father's main job is to keep his daughter off of the stripper pole.

[ULuvCeCe]

It's that moment when your child realizes everything you did for them; that you didn't "ruin their life" but instead made them the great person they are. Albeit this happens somewhere in their 20's, when it does is when you are finally sure you've been a good parent

[erinelise2]

I don't think I will know until they are grown living self sufficent lives.

[mawhite63]

Are your children in jail, stripping, or Mormon?   No?  You're a good parent.

 I seriously, literally spit out coffee laughing at that.

[diala84]

I think questioning if you are a good parent usually means that you are a good parent because you are thinking about how you could change or could have done things better. It is an on the job learning experience with no preparation or equation that will make you ready enough. You just have to do it and hope things turn out for the best.

[ULuvCeCe]

Are your children in jail, stripping, or Mormon?   No?  You're a good parent.

 I seriously, literally spit out coffee laughing at that.

My boyfriend LOVED that one lol

[ashleyxatrocity]

I'm not a parent myself. However, I have a little something to contribute. The woman I was originally born to (I refer to her as my birth mother) did not have anything to do with my upbringing. He gave birth to me, took care of me until her c section scar healed, then was out partying and making poor decisions with her life all day and night every day. By the time I was 15, I realized that I knew nothing about my mother and she had taught me nothing about life. I only saw here when she was passed out or going out. At that time, she began dating a "man" (I'm using that term loosely because he was anything but a man) who didn't like the idea of her having a teenager at home (my older siblings had moved out) so my birth mother told me to pack my things and find somewhere else to live.
At that time, I was taken in by my best friend's mother (I refer to her as my Mommy). She taught me everything I know about life and what's right or wrong and how to love and care for others. I attribute everything that I am today to my Mommy because she had a big enough heart to let me in and make me who I am today. She calls me everyday to remind me how much of a blessing I am to her and how much she loves me. I think Mommy was a great parent. She put her foot down when she had to, but gave me enough breathing room to develop and discover myself. The support she gave is another thing that makes a good parent.
I'm sorry. I'm rambling.
The only real way you can know if you're a good parent is to look at your kids.