12 Signs You're a Great Parent: How to Create a Nurturing Environment for Your Children

"And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith - We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person, for what he earned, is retained." - Quran, Surah Al-Tur, 52:21.

“Every child is born in a state of fitrah (natural inclination towards goodness). It is the parents who make them a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist.” - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Being a parent is one of the most important and rewarding experiences in life. As a parent, you want to provide the best possible life for your children and help them grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults. But what does it mean to be a great parent? Here are 12 signs that you're on the right track.

1. You know your children’s life should be good, not easy.

Life can be tough, and it's important for children to learn resilience and self-sufficiency. As a great parent, you recognize that your job is not to make life easy for your children but to provide them with the tools they need to face life's challenges and succeed.

2. You lead by example.

Children learn by example, and as a great parent, you know that actions speak louder than words. You strive to be the kind of person you want our children to look up to and set a positive example for them to follow.

3. You teach your kids how to think, not what to think.

Great parents don't impose their beliefs on their children, but instead encourage them to think for themselves and make their own decisions. By teaching critical thinking skills and fostering independent thought, you help your children become confident, responsible adults.

4. You treat your children as independent, free-thinking individuals who need steering in life, not dominance.

While it's important to provide guidance and support, great parents don't try to control their children's every move. Instead, you recognize that your children are unique individuals with their own thoughts and feelings and strive to foster their independence and self-confidence.

5. You love them unconditionally.

Children need to know that they are loved no matter what. Great parents don't make their children earn their love but instead provide a stable and nurturing environment where their children can thrive.

6. You recognize their strengths and weaknesses and put them in an environment where they will flourish.

Every child is different, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Great parents take the time to understand their children's unique personalities and talents and provide opportunities for them to grow and develop in areas where they excel.

7. You prioritize self-improvement so your kids won’t have to deal with the issues you’re dealing with now.

As a great parent, you know that your own growth and self-improvement are crucial to creating a positive and healthy family environment. By working on your own issues and passing down wisdom instead of wounds, you help your children become stronger and more resilient.

8. You teach your kids what you wish you were taught.

As parents, we want our children to have a better life than we did. By sharing our own knowledge and experiences, we can help our children navigate the challenges of life more effectively. Whether it's financial literacy, business skills, or emotional intelligence, great parents prioritize passing on valuable life lessons to their children.

9. You let your kids fail because the biggest life lessons come from failure.

Nobody is perfect, and failure is a natural part of life. Great parents don't shield their children from failure but instead provide a supportive and encouraging environment where their children can learn from their mistakes and grow stronger.

10. You know attention is currency.

Time is a precious commodity, and great parents know that spending quality time with their children is essential to building strong and healthy relationships. Whether it's playing games, reading together, or simply having a conversation, great parents make the most of the time they have with their children.

11. You know that behavior is the unwritten language of children.

Children may not always have the words to express their thoughts and feelings, but their behavior can tell us a lot about what they need. Great parents take the time to understand their children's behavior and respond with patience, empathy, and understanding.

12. You let kids be kids.

Childhood is a precious time, and great parents know that it's important to let children enjoy their youth. By providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore, play, and learn, great parents help their children develop the social, emotional, and cognitive skills they need to thrive.

In conclusion, being a great parent is about more than just providing for your children's basic needs. It's about creating a positive and nurturing environment where your children can grow, learn, and develop into happy, healthy, and successful adults. By following these 12 signs, you can help your children become the best versions of themselves and build a strong and loving family that will last a lifetime.