Do you remember learning how to ride a bike? Maybe one parent was holding onto the seat and helping you find your balance before sending you off down the street while your other parent was excitedly holding a camera trying to capture the moment perfectly on video. Learning how to drive was probably a much more stressful experience, but it might have been similar in the way that at least one parent was there, sitting in the passenger seat clinging to the door handle and praying you would make it to your destination safely while holding more tension in their body than you even thought possible.
Our parents are responsible for teaching us countless things, from how to read to how to be a good friend. To celebrate all of the best things wonderful parents have taught us, we found a post on Reddit asking, “Adults, what’s something your parents did right raising you?” and combed through the comments to find the most heartwarming replies. Below, you can read all about the best life lessons and pieces of advice parents have bestowed upon their kids, as well as an interview with mother and blogger Priya Doshi, and hopefully they’ll help you reminisce on some positive memories from your own childhood. Be sure to upvote the responses you find most meaningful, and then let us know in the comments what the best thing your parents ever taught you was. Then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda list celebrating wholesome parenting moments, we’ve got the perfect piece right here.
#1
I’m a female with a single father. He has never expected anything of me. Did everything to give me what i needed and wanted. But most importantly he taught me how to do basic things that “a man should do” such as change my cars oil, or the tire, and overall mechanics. My father has also excepted anything and everything I could have gone through phase wise. Dye my blonde hair red? Great! Thick makeup. Cool. Wanting to drink. Tell me where when with who and keep your phone on if you need a ride (of course this is after I was at least 15/16). Most important I was able to talk to my dad about absolutely anything without fear of anger judgment or anything of the sort. I can proudly say I hardly drink never smoke moved out when I was ready and am living a great life. I still have a close relationship with my father and he is still my hero.
Image credits: Deja_kitten
#2
My parents always taught me to be affectionate. Kinda weird. But my dad always told me that even though you’re a guy, don’t be like the regular guy that acts all tough and contain everything in.
You will be okay if you cry, if you hug, and if you express your love for your buds. Don’t be afraid to express your emotion & affection especially to those who care for you.
Image credits: anon
#3
they made drugs and alcohol seem like they weren’t a big deal, they offered wine with dinner, and they held their promises when they said they’d pick me up from a party no questions asked. they made it seem like it wasn’t a forbidden fruit so i never had the urge to abuse it or sneak around. i’ve never had a problem with it thanks to them, i have healthy boundaries
Image credits: PM_ME_UR_FROST_TROLL
#4
I remember being told it was very important to admit when you’re wrong, and I think that was solid advice. But I could be wrong.
Image credits: ixnayupidstay
#5
They sat us down with them when they paid the bills every month. We started out thinking we had a ton of money (“let’s buy X!”), then watching as the paycheck money dwindled as bills were paid. We’d inevitably finish paying bills and think we still had a lot, then Dad would say “you want to eat this month, don’t you?” and put aside money for groceries.
It was so useful because we learned how much things actually cost, how to put money away for items you couldn’t yet buy (like groceries), and how to save for specific things like retirement and a new roof for the house. It also got us to stop asking for money since we saw that there wasn’t much left over.
#6
Something that has stayed with me forever was when my dad gave me an article from Time magazine that explained in layman’s terms how our brains don’t stop growing until we’re in our early twenties, and one of the last parts of the brain to form is our ability to fully comprehend the consequences of our actions. We think we can, but we can’t fully understand the magnitude of our decisions until later in life. I was about 15 when he gave me that article.
He went on to explain that his job, as a parent, was to sort of fill in that gap by making decisions for me that will decrease my chances of making a “bad decision.” Basic stuff like curfews, picking me up from things instead of letting friends who might have been drinking drive me home.
The most important takeaway was that he wanted me to know he 100% trusted me, but there was a limit to that trust because even if I thought I was making good decisions, I didn’t have all the tools yet to make the best ones.
I appreciate that, looking back on some of the dumb stuff I still managed to get away with at that age. Stuff I would NEVER do now. It was nice having a parent explain why he wanted to control some aspects of my life besides just saying “Because I said so.”
#7
Read me bedtime stories every night as I was growing up. It instilled in me a love of reading and I am certain it contributed to helping my brain work more betterer than people what doesn’t read good.
Image credits: Smyrfinator
#8
My mom always made me try a bite of any food in front of her before she’d allow the “I don’t like it” line. Now, thanks to her, I’m willing to try any food/drink once, even if I think I won’t like it. I’m glad she did that.
Image credits: dontaskmethatmoron
#9
They taught me tolerance and acceptance. They told me they would love me no matter my religion, sexual orientation, political alliance, or profession. They taught me to accept people and love them for their character and to find people who will love me for my character.
Image credits: Steeps87
#10
Family dinner every night when Dad got home. No TV and obviously no phones because it was 40 years ago. We talked about our day and laughed about stuff. Good times and very important part of my childhood.
Image credits: spautrievas
#11
I have autism which caused a lot of issues. A psychiatrist had me diagnosed and my parents made sure I had the support I needed.
It’s easy to say someone is a difficult child, but figuring out why and helping that child find a path in life that works for them, is the best thing they could ever have done for me.
Image credits: Guilty_Coconut
#12
You can do whatever you want but you are responsible for your choices.
Image credits: Arriabella
#13
My mom instilled a deep sense of empathy in me and compassion for those less fortunate than myself
Image credits: poornose
#14
They made sure I understood money, money management, saving for retirement, etc. Made my life so much easier have never had to worry about money or debt a day in my life.
Image credits: FlameFrenzy
#15
They respected our privacy. Always knocked on our doors, never went through our computer history or looked at our phones, etc. They would ask us who we were talking to, but if they REALLY wanted to see the messages, they would ask us to show them. They showed that they cared, but they also trusted us to make the right decisions. Now, I can go and talk to my parents about anything! Our relationship is great! I’m so thankful!
Image credits: hlturner
#16
Supported my (then) unusual interests. I was into astronomy as a younger kid and they bought books and telescopes and drove me to/from the local astronomy club at late hours. Later (this was the 80s) they bought me a series of computers which were pretty expensive for the time and for their income. I’m grateful they supported what I was into.
Image credits: Dapper_Presentation
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