ds2 (9) and his class have come up with a list of qualities of good parents

[roisin]

I was quite surprised how deep and considered this is. I expected it to be largely about money - big holidays and expensive Christmas presents, and it's not at all.

QUALITIES OF GOOD PARENTS

Good parents listen and understand
Good parents always stay calm even if you don't
Good parents are kind
Good parents pick you up on time for school
Good parents make sure you are not late for school/football practice/swimming
Good parents don't leave you at home on your own

I think there may have been some others he didn't remember.

That is a very thoughtful list.

"Good parents always stay calm even if you don't" - that's a very mature answer.
What an interesting list.
They're obviously very thoughtful, perceptive children.

I wouldn't have expected them to come up with big presents and holidays. I find DCs quite amazing at homing in on the things that really matter.
Basically they want love, security and parents to spend time with them-all on the list.
I once got a class to write about their ideal day (they could have any amount of money but it had to be realistic)-I expected trips to themeparks or Florida etc. I was surprised how many opted for a day chilling out at home with friends and family and favourite food!

Lovely list

I want to write them out and stick them on my fridge door.

What a thoughtful, sweet list. Before I read the list I thought, "Oh no, I'll never live up to any of these qualities." But I'm pleasantly surprised!

Interesting also: The bits about the picking up on time and not being late list show that kids do like routine in their lives and not disorganisation. I didn't think they noticed or cared. I better pull my socks up in that department for when DS gets older!

Oh god i am always running late!

I think it's a bit insufferable actually. It means nobody is a good parent, so are we all 'bad' parents?
I'd be so tempted to have a little list of my own with all the things 'good children' are supposed to do.
Grump, grump, grump.

Wouldn't say it was insufferable. I wouldn't say I was a fantastic mother but I am mostly kind, try to stay calm, listen and understand. I do pick up/drop off on time, and I have never left them at home on their own (but given they're both under 6, that's to be expected).

So I think if I grade myself against this list, then I am a good parent.

Very interesting roisin. I think I'll ask dd about this later on.

I'm sure I read somewhere that Homer Simpson was considered a great father in a survey done by children!

It makes you think, doesn't it?

It doesn't make me feel guilty, but it has made me aware of areas where there's "room for improvement" and it also has made me think about what is important from a child's point of view.

I work school hours so am always home for the boys after school and we have a quick chat about their day. Today ds1 (11) was very upset about a number of incidents and some disappointments and we chatted for over an hour. It made me so pleased that I am here for him at that time of day, rather than him sat stewing on his own, even though usually he doesn't need me desperately at that time.

If good parents 'always' stay calm, then I would be very surprised if I'd ever in my life met a 'good parent'. SO yes, I do find it a bit insufferable and priggish.
Mind you I loathe the trend of encouraging kids to nag and bully their parents (recycling, smoking etc) - I think it would be more helpful if children were encouraged to write a list of what good children are supposed to do!