My parents are two of the most important people in my life. They have always been there for me. They’re not perfect, but they try to make the right decisions, and whenever they do make a mistake, they do their best to correct it.

Many parents are similar to mine. They want what is best for their children, and they work hard to make their children happy. Parents have many roles, including providing for, supporting, and teaching their children.

The first role of a parent is to provide for their children’s physical needs, which usually involves earning money. Most parents have jobs to earn the money needed to care for their children. My dad has his own business, which my mom helps him run. My mom also teaches private piano lessons on the side. Sometimes it’s difficult with my parents being busy most of the day, but I know it’s necessary for the things my family needs: a house, food, clothing, and more. 

Parents should also love and support their children through difficult times which can help children become problem solvers and be more successful in life.

One way parents fill this role is by listening to their children. Simply listening to what is upsetting their children can make a big impact. I can tell my dad about whatever is troubling me and feel better afterwards. This doesn’t always change my problem, but telling him makes me feel better about my struggle and gives me the strength to keep trying. Most kids need a safe person to talk to and feel heard.

Parents can also be good at giving advice. They have experienced a lot in life, much more than their children have. My parents frequently give advice that usually takes the form of relaying a conversation from work. They then turn the story into a teaching moment, giving me and my sisters important things to remember. These lessons include relationship advice, budgeting information, and health tips. Most children don’t want to listen to their parents, but it’s important to remember that they only want what’s best for you.

While children should still be able to act on their own, especially once they reach high school, parents are there to help and guide at any given time. 

Another essential role of parents is to teach their children. Parents are role models to their children since they look up to and learn from them. They are supposed to teach their children many good, positive things, from behavior to life skills.

Parents should teach their children how to be good people through how they live their own lives. I have learned many things just by watching the good things my parents do. My mom has shown me the value of working hard as she is able to achieve so much each day. Even with a lengthy to-do list, she has the time to be there for her children and offer help whenever it is needed. 

Although difficult for both the parent and the child, punishment and consequences play an important developmental role. Children can never grow and improve if they don’t know what they’re doing wrong. Even if they know what is right and what is wrong, they might still make a bad choice if they don’t expect any negative consequences. Parents can help solve this problem by giving their children consequences when they disobey or misbehave. These punishments can also help children calm down. Being forced to leave a room for a few minutes has given me an opportunity to escape what is frustrating me and get rid of unkind thoughts and feelings. Other punishments have helped me make up for wrongdoings; I have had to help sisters with chores, which, along the way, helps me understand I was in the wrong and that I should forgive them.

Children also need to be taught how to be responsible and independent. Parents do this by giving lessons on how to save and spend money, teaching necessary skills including cooking and doing chores, and sharing many other things necessary for adult life. I have received several of these lessons from my parents and have watched them give more advice to my older sisters. 

Watching my older sisters grow up and go to college has helped me understand the many things I know that will help me live on my own. This has also made me understand how many more things I should learn how to do before I leave the house. 

Parents are very important in families. They have many responsibilities and roles to fill for their children. They do more for their children than they can imagine. We all need to be more grateful and understanding for our parents. They do so much for us, each and every day. We all should show our parents how much they mean to us and how much we love them for all that they do.