Successful Parenting

Danielle Smith

February 2, 2011

Sociology M174

Essay # 1

The goal of good parenting is to nurture and guide the growth and development of mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy children into adulthood. Good parenting shapes a child’s character and helps the child become a decent human being with values and morals that they can use in their daily lives. Parents try to instill these characteristics into their children so that they can grow up to make a positive contribution toward their community and the world in which they live. Usually, both the mother and the father play a pivotal role in this development, but often in very different ways. Being able to nurture and educate a child from infancy to adulthood is one of the most admirable responsibilities in human existence. Many people experience benefits such as social acceptance, self-fulfillment, objects of love and affection, and a sense of accomplishment from procreation.

My parents began preparing for my childhood, shortly after my conception. They decided to move to Denver, Colorado, in a suburban part of town, near great schools, and parks- where my brother and I could play safely. My mom embarked on a healthier living regimen, and attending regular doctor's visit throughout her pregnancy to prepare for my arrival. My father took on an additional job to help with expenses that an additional baby would bring on. Without the love and encouragement of my parents, I would not be the individual I am today. Their guidance, and support has given me the confidence I have to make it this far in my life. Certain sacrifices were made on their behalf in order to provide my brother and I with a healthy and stable living environment, and the knowledge we needed to go off and excel in college, as well as in life. I find much of my identity to be mirrored through the beliefs and actions of my parents. That's a heavy burden for most new parents to have to model their behavior for their children to have a positive representation. But the time that my parents spent with me, and invested into my development has stood out the most to me. Both working full time jobs, my parents never missed a school play, sporting event, or dance recital. My father was a professional football player and a very religious man, so most of my athleticism and spiritual influence is a direct result of my father. My mother was a high school principal, and later a Dean of a college, so most of my educational influence came directly from her. However they both infused the ideas of acceptance, integrity, honesty, and determination in me, not only with their words but with their actions as well.

Most Americans plan on becoming parents after marriage simply because it's the "normal" thing to do as a mature adult in a committed relationship.