Have you ever wondered what makes someone a truly great parent?
It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about the qualities that shape how they nurture, guide, and support their child’s growth.
While parenting styles vary, certain traits consistently stand out in people who create a loving, stable, and empowering environment for their kids.
The truth is, great parents come in all forms, but there are specific types of people who naturally excel in this role.
Let’s explore eight types of people who make exceptional parents and why they’re so well-suited to raising happy, well-adjusted children. You might just recognize yourself—or someone you know—in these descriptions!
1) The empathetic parent
Empathy isn’t just about understanding someone else’s feelings. It’s about being able to step into someone else’s shoes, to feel and share their emotions.
This trait is crucial in parenting. Research shows that empathic parenting is “a critical factor for the healthy development of a child, especially for the growth of a creative and genuine sense of ‘self’”.
When empathy is present, you’ll notice a parent who truly understands their child’s feelings. They don’t dismiss a child’s fear of the dark or a teenager’s anxiety over a school exam.
They understand that every emotion their child experiences, no matter how trivial it may seem to an adult, is very real and significant to them.
Empathetic parents are the safe harbor for their children, where they can express their feelings without fear of judgment or dismissal. They make children feel valued and understood, which is vital for their emotional development.
2) The routine keeper
Structure and routine are often seen as mundane or boring, but research shows they play an essential role in a child’s upbringing.
Parents who establish and maintain a consistent routine provide their children with a sense of security. The predictability of knowing when meals, playtime, homework, and bedtime occur helps children feel safe and grounded.
These parents understand that a structured environment doesn’t stifle their child’s creativity or exploration. On the contrary, it provides a stable platform from which they can confidently explore the world.
A bedtime story every night, weekly family game nights, or even something as simple as consistent mealtimes – these routines create a rhythm to life that children find comforting.
This balance between structure and flexibility is key to helping children thrive. It teaches them the importance of discipline and responsibility while still allowing space for creativity and spontaneity.
3) The real and relatable parent
Perfection can often be seen as the ideal in parenting, but parents who are unafraid to show their flaws can actually provide a more beneficial environment for their children.
These parents understand that they’re human and that mistakes are a normal part of life. They don’t hide their errors, but rather use them as teaching moments.
They might fumble in the kitchen or struggle with a DIY project, but instead of pretending everything is perfect, they laugh it off and show their children that it’s okay to not get everything right the first time.
By doing so, they teach their children that it’s okay to make mistakes and that these are opportunities to learn and grow. This encourages resilience, perseverance, and a healthier approach to dealing with failure.
4) The individuality supporter
Let’s be honest, as parents, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting our children to be a certain way or to follow a specific path. But parents who recognize and celebrate their child’s individuality are truly exceptional.
These parents understand that their child is a unique individual, with their own passions, strengths, weaknesses and dreams. They don’t try to mold their child into something they’re not.
They don’t force their introverted child to be the life of the party, or their artistic child to pursue a career in law just because it’s considered more stable.
Instead, they encourage their children to discover who they are and what interests them. They provide support without suffocating them with expectations.
It’s a harsh truth that not every parent can accept or nurture their child’s individuality. But those who do provide an environment where their children can grow into the best version of themselves.
5) The healthy relationship example
We’ve all been there – arguing with our partner or having a disagreement with a friend. It’s a normal part of life.
But how we handle these situations can have a profound impact on our children.
Parents who model healthy relationships show their children how to treat others with respect, even during disagreements. They demonstrate how to:
- Communicate effectively
- Apologize sincerely
- Resolve conflicts in a fair manner
They understand that their children are always watching and learning from them. So, they make sure to lead by example, showing their kids what a loving, respectful relationship looks like.
Whether it’s with their spouse, their friends, or their colleagues, these parents strive to exhibit positive interactions. And in doing so, they’re teaching their children invaluable lessons about relationships and communication that they’ll carry with them into adulthood.
6) The fun maker
Parenting is undoubtedly a serious job, but who says it can’t be fun? Parents who know how to keep things light and enjoyable create a joyful environment for their children to grow up in.
These parents understand that life isn’t all about rules and responsibilities. They know the importance of letting loose, having fun, and creating happy memories with their children.
Whether it’s having a spontaneous dance-off in the living room, making funny faces with pancake batter on Sunday mornings, or turning chores into a game, these parents infuse elements of fun into everyday life.
They create a positive and happy home environment where laughter is frequent and joy is abundant.
Because at the end of the day, they know that these are the moments their children will look back on fondly and remember with a smile.
7) The boundary setter
As important as fun is, parenting does require some tough love, too. It isn’t always about being your child’s best friend.
Ultimately, it’s about preparing them for the real world, and that means setting boundaries and enforcing consequences.
These parents understand that while it’s important to show love and empathy, it’s equally important to teach their children about responsibility and accountability.
They set clear rules and expectations for their children. And when those rules are broken, they ensure there are consequences. Not because they enjoy punishing their children, but because they want them to learn from their mistakes.
They might be labeled as the ‘strict’ parents, but they’re okay with that. Because they know that by setting boundaries and holding their children accountable, they are teaching them important life skills like respect, discipline, and responsibility.
8) The unconditional love-giver
Above all else, the most important thing a parent can give their child is unconditional love.
It’s easy to say “I love you” when your child does something great. But saying it — and meaning it — when they’ve made a mistake or disappointed you? That’s unconditional love.
Parents who exemplify this understand that their love for their child is not based on their accomplishments, behavior, or decisions. They love their child for who they are, not what they do.
They show their children that they are loved, valued, and cherished, regardless of their successes or failures. Their love doesn’t waver during challenging times, and it doesn’t come with conditions or expectations.
So remember this: No matter what type of parent you are or strive to be, the most important thing you can give your child is your unconditional love. Because at the end of the day, that’s what they’ll remember and cherish the most.
Summing up
Great parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, intentional, and always striving to grow.
The traits we’ve explored—like empathy, setting boundaries, and embracing your child’s individuality—are practical ways to create a loving and supportive environment where your child can thrive.
What matters most is consistency and effort. Some days will feel easier than others, and mistakes are inevitable, but those moments are opportunities to show your child that growth and resilience are part of life.
By focusing on these qualities, you’re not just guiding your child—you’re also modeling the kind of person they’ll aspire to be.
