The Duties of Parents

Parents are responsible to provide the necessary food, clothing, shelter and medical care insofar as they are able. They are equally responsible for providing sound education and a sound knowledge of their religion as well as moral training of their children. ... That child is blessed who is devoted to his parent's wordsNobody ever said that children were easy to raise. They don't come with guidelines or instructions, and they certainly don't come with a "pause" button (I've looked!). What they do come with is a crucial set of physical and emotional needs that must be met. Failure of the parents to meet these specific needs can have wide-ranging and long-lasting negative effects. The following outline provides eight essential responsibilities that parents must adhere to in order to foster their child's physical and/or emotional well-being: 1. Provide an environment that is SAFE. A. Keep your child free from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. B. Keep unsafe objects locked up or out of reach of your child. C. Get to know your child's caregivers (get references or background checks). D. Correct any potential dangers around the house. E. Take Safety Precautions: Use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, lock doors at night, always wear seatbelts, etc.2. Provide your child with BASIC NEEDS. A. Water B. Plenty of nutritious foods C. Shelter D. A warm bed with sheets, blankets, and a pillow E. Medical care as needed/Medicine when ill F. Clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions G. Space (a place where he or she can go to be alone)3. Provide your child with SELF-ESTEEM NEEDS. A. Accept your child's uniqueness and respect his or her individuality. B. Encourage (don't push) your child to participate in a club, activity, or sport. C. Notice and acknowledge your child's achievements and pro-social behavior. D. Encourage proper hygiene (to look good is to feel good, or so they say!). E. Set expectations for your child that are realistic and age-appropriate. F. Use your child's misbehavior as a time to teach, not to criticize or ridicule.4. Teach your child MORALS and VALUES. A. Honesty B. Respect C. Responsibility D. Compassion E. Patience F. Forgiveness G. Generosity5. Develop MUTUAL RESPECT with your child. A. Use respectful language B. Respect his or her feelings C. Respect his or her opinions D. Respect his or her privacy E. Respect his or her individuality6. Provide DISCIPLINE which is effective and appropriate. A. Structured B. Consistent C. Predictable D. Fair7. Involve yourself in your child's EDUCATION. A. Communicate regularly with your child's teacher(s) B. Make sure that your child is completing his or her homework each night. C. Assist your child with his or her homework, but don't DO the homework. D. Talk to your child each day about school (what is being studied, any interesting events, ...etc.). E. Recognize and acknowledge your child's academic achievements.8. Get to KNOW YOUR CHILD. A. Spend quality time together. B. Be approachable to your child. C. Ask questions. D. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate..