Top 8 Characteristics of a Good Parent to a Baby
Every adult is physiologically capable of becoming a parent, but what happens when the baby is actually born and needs care? What kind of parent should you be to build a solid and harmonious foundation for your baby's path to adulthood?- Be as healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Parenthood is serious work that requires all of your physical and mental resources. To fully manage these responsibilities, parents must care for themselves. If possible, address any significant health concerns and try to eliminate unhealthy habits like smoking, eating disorders, or alcohol use. This will give you more energy to keep up with your active baby and stay clear-minded both day and night.
If you feel you have unresolved psychological issues (such as irritability, impatience, or depressive tendencies), expecting a baby is a great motivation to address them. Your own example is the best tool for raising a well-balanced child. If you want a joyful, happy, and anxiety-free child, take steps in that direction yourself. - Be unselfish. A child's first three years are incredibly demanding for parents. Find joy in the process, even when it may not bring immediate satisfaction. You will need to put your own needs aside for a while since your baby needs you. The lifestyle of parents to young children changes significantly: they spend less time together and are less socially active than before. Embrace these changes and remember they won't last forever. Your child will grow, and in time, you’ll be able to return to the things you are unable to do right now.
- Be a confident parent. Parents are responsible for their child and their well-being. Parents of small children receive endless advice: from older relatives, friends, health workers, teachers, and even neighbors. Remember that each culture and community has its own parenting norms.
But parents spend the most time with their child, and the responsibility for decisions lies with them. Listen respectfully to suggestions, then make your own informed decisions using your judgment and parental intuition. Consult primarily with your co-parent. Both parents should agree on the approach to parenting for a calm home environment and to give the child confidence in their caregivers.
Advice:
To see if your family environment is favorable for a baby, take our unique Parenting Mentor Test. The results will describe your situation in detail and offer recommendations to improve your family climate and support your child’s harmonious development. - Be inquisitive. The most intense period of a child’s development is from birth to age three. Parents witness incredible changes in their baby’s body, intelligence, and emotional connections with relatives.
A sincere desire to understand what your baby is going through allows you to experience every moment with joy. Read specialized literature and consult professionals to better understand your baby’s perspective, how they perceive the world, and how best to support their growth at each stage.
Explore the world together with your child. Try to see things through your baby’s eyes. Notice their fascination when they touch a dog’s fur or respond to the sound of water or a falling object. Stand beside your child as they discover the world—and rediscover it for yourself. - Forgive yourself for your mistakes. No one is born knowing exactly how to parent their child. Even if you already have children, a new baby presents new challenges. Sometimes, you must choose the lesser of two evils.
For instance, you may have to decide whether to let your child splash in a cold fountain or remove them forcefully, despite their protests. Parental guilt can accumulate, leading to extra anxiety. Too much self-doubt can undermine your confidence and harm your relationship with your child. - Recognize your limits. Parenting a young child is exhausting. Children don’t just eat, sleep, and play quietly—they sometimes get sick, cause messes, and demand attention. If one parent shoulders all these challenges alone, burnout becomes much more likely. This can reduce your ability to feel joy and satisfaction in parenting.
It's important for parents of babies and toddlers to recognize exhaustion and delegate childcare to a partner, grandparents, a nanny, or hire help for household chores. Taking short breaks—such as an evening out with friends, pursuing a hobby, or going to the gym or for a massage—can be invaluable. Even without burnout, parents should understand their limits and work to prevent extreme fatigue.
For example, it’s not healthy for a young mother to push herself to nervous exhaustion because of sleepless nights. She should ask the father or other relatives for help before exhaustion develops. Fatigue can cause inattention, which is especially problematic when caring for a small child. - Be open to discovering new things about yourself. No matter how well you think you know yourself, expect parenting to push your boundaries and teach you new strengths.
For example, a woman who always kept a strict routine may have trouble adjusting to a baby’s unpredictable sleep schedule. Yet, many mothers find caring for a newborn comes naturally, and past habits fade as they prioritize their baby. For the baby's sake, they get up at night to feed, change diapers, or provide care if needed. Similarly, fathers who once felt awkward being tender may become devoted and gentle, enjoying activities like giving massages and sharing in their baby’s joys. Milestones like first steps or a goal scored in a game bring so much happiness that fathers aren’t shy to show their affection. - Have the wisdom not to expect things from your child they aren’t ready for. Children grow gradually. Just because a child can walk doesn’t mean they're ready to be treated like an adult. Children can't always meet adults' expectations.
For example, don’t expect a 1–1.5-year-old to behave perfectly at an adult event. Even the calmest toddler may act unpredictably when you least expect it.
Parents of young children should be prepared to handle such situations calmly.
Advice:
You can gain more confidence as a parent by taking our psychological Parenting Mentor Test. By answering a series of questions, you'll get an in-depth analysis of your current environment and helpful, practical recommendations. Follow them to create an even better environment for your child's growth and development.