What small things did your parents do right?

[Pluvia]

Rather than focussing on the negatives, what little things did your parents get right when they were raising you?

Mine instilled a sense of curiosity in me. They took the line that there was no excuse for being bored — and as a result I've never been bored. There is always something to see, do, think about, find out about, no matter how small.

told me that whatever happened, I'd never be homeless. It gave me the confidence to move forward and take a few risks.

A small thing they did right was having a laugh with us and sharing little moments of fun together. they never played with us but it was more things like watching telly together, having a dance, building snowcastles or playing pranks. It made me feel that they enjoyed our company and that I was worth their time and effort.

Let me be independent- not helicoptered me

Thought of another.
My Dad taught me to decorate, properly. A small thing but it has saved me a fortune over the years and has meant I haven't baulked at taking on houses "in need of updating".

Took us to library, read to us until we could read ourselves. Mum read too. I have lifelong love of books.
And I'm now pleased she took very little to do with my school and uni choices (except fill out the grant forms). No comparing to other kids, or judging- I see a lot of it in middle class families and it's toxic and infantalising.

Lovely thread.
Mine helped me appreciate nature and showed me the local museums and art galleries. We didn’t have money but those things were free. I didn’t appreciate everything that I looked at back then. I do now, and I try to do the same with my kids.

She made sure I knew she loved me, absolutely and unconditionally, and she raised me to believe that I'm fucking awesome and should be treated as such.

She got a lot wrong, but those two things have stood me in great stead throughout life; in that I believe I'm worthy of love and respect, and I know what that looks like.

To look after my teeth and always brush twice a day without fail.
To shop secondhand.
To be responsible with money.

I make a point of telling my mum and dad what they got right, cos they often bash themselves up for having got so much wrong.

They did get a lot right. My dad instilled a love of experimentation in me. He created a big raised bed for us in the conservatory to grow plants from seed in, and would have us chuck random spices into recipes to see what the outcome would be, and create our own Gladiators-style obstacle courses etc. We had so much fun with him when young doing active physical stuff that I still have lots of enthusiasm for "being strong" even now and it's helped me keep relatively fit and try lots of sports.
My mum was amazing at getting me to read very early. I've found it difficult to stop reading ever since and the skills she fostered are key ones for my career.
My dad told me I could be anything I want to be. He also had a strong non-conformity drive and this pride in being an individual and not following the crowd has helped me through lots of shitty situations, always leaving me feeling like it'll be okay as long as I tread my own path.

Continuous support, without fail.

Taught us right from wrong.

And my dad taught me how to reverse park! For which I'am forever grateful! 🤣

Be me
ALWAYS be there, always a safe haven I know I can rely on them for anything at anytime.
Contribute to our house e.g let me Paint, choose colours etc
Kindness, patience, humility
You do you
Look after each other in a wider community sense
I will be forever grateful and hope I am even a tiny bit as awesome as my parents were and continue to be.

My mum always believed in me, even when I underachieved at my horrid academic school. I hope I was the same with my dc. Everything turned out alright in the end for all of us.

My dad taught me lots of things that were traditionally done by boys at that time - how to throw overarm, woodwork, fix things.

We didn't have much in the way of material things because they saved up for holidays in Europe every other year. They instilled a love of classical music in my sibling and me.

Told me they loved me.
Made Christmasses and birthdays special
Fed me and clothed me well
Were not pushy or demanding

My mum taught me to think for myself and has never put me under pressure to conform to societal expectations of me.

My parents taught me how to be competent at all sorts of practical things, either by actively teaching me or by letting me watch them. Keeping a house and garden in order, childcare, cooking, balancing the domestic finances, all standard fare as I was growing up. They also modelled how to have a harmonious marriage, and how to keep my wits about me under pressure. I think I landed on my feet as far as parents are concerned.

Believed in me.
Always ready with a hug, cuppa and a cheese sandwich when life went awry.
Were always in my corner.
Encouraged a sense of fun, curiosity, wonder, kindness and optimism.
Great story tellers.

My mother made me look after my teeth. I'm mid fifties, have all my own teeth and no fillings. It's saved me a fortune.

Showed me that woman can be strong and independent. My dad was around but she was her own person.
Taught me to respect myself and my body.
Books, a love of books which I have passed to my girls.
Spent time with us, nothing fancy. Camping trips and time at the beach but fond memories of those.
Dad showed me that men can be kind and caring. He was the one who looked after us when we were sick or sad.

Made sure my grandmothers had a part in my upbringing even though they lived a distance away. Each of them though very different brought something valuable into my life.

Such a lovely idea for a thread. I want to add to it.

Pressed post too soon.

I was taught good dental hygiene
Dad taught me how to save
Told me he was proud of me