10 Signs Of Good Parenting: How To Feel Confident And Know You’re Raising Your Child Right

Parenting can make you go crazy at times and wonder if you are raising your child with all the right habits you want them to follow. It may also include moments when you doubt your parenting abilities. This is because you are all the time conscious of the fact that your parenting approach has a direct bearing on who your child will grow up to be.

"Your parenting contributes a lot to the overall personality of your child. It is not only what you verbally teach your child but also the kind of behaviour you model, the kind of relationship you share with your child and your spouse, and the environment at home. All these contribute to the development of your child and determine the kind of adult your child would grow up to be," says Tanvi Sardesai, Counselling Psychologist, Dept. of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, S L Raheja Hospital-A Fortis Associate, Mumbai.

With such a major responsibility parents have in moulding their child's personality and ensuring their happiness and success, it'll help to know the signs of good parenting.

Signs your parenting is right

Sign 1: Your child feels comfortable talking to you

Your child needs to discuss their problems and difficulties with you, and they should be able to do this without being worried about your reaction. When your child feels comfortable talking to you about anything, they wouldn't need to keep secrets or tell lies. This is one of the many signs of open and positive parenting.

Sign 2: Your child reveals their vulnerable side to you

As Tanvi says, "You must be the child's safe place. Your child should be able to express their weaknesses to you and feel comfortable displaying a variety of emotions around you." When your child expresses emotions such as anger, sadness, or happiness, they are sharing their deepest emotions with you. It also means that they trust you to guide them in the right direction.

Sign 3: Your child feels sure of themself

You must be able to convey your unconditional love and acceptance to your child. This would encourage them to love and accept themself and boost their self-confidence. "Focus on the uniqueness of the child. In discovering his identity, boundaries, and personality. When he knows what he likes or dislikes, his strengths, his comfort zone, his challenges, his goals, and so on, he is motivated from within. And, when motivation is internal, the chances of a meaningful and happy life increase," suggests Shailaja Kumari Shyamsukha, Holistic Development Coach and a Mental Health Therapist from Mumbai.

Sign 4: Your child does not feel judged by you

Although unintentional, in an attempt to discipline their child, many parents begin judging them. Being compared with others makes a child feel that their parents have no confidence in them. When you are non-critical of your child's behaviour and avoid labelling, they feel comfortable sharing their concerns with you. They also feel confident about your support in finding solutions to their problems.

Sign 5: Your child feels free to be himself around you

When there is an open atmosphere at home, conversations are free-flowing. Although sometimes what your child says might seem trivial to you, it could be of utmost importance to them. Pari Venkatesh, a mother of two from Bengaluru, says, "I have always had a good rapport with my children. I have maintained this relationship where I have always been honest about myself and told them everything about myself when I was their age, and I have encouraged them to do the same. So, they are free around me, since they know I will be able to understand them."

Sign 6: Your child shows empathy and respect

"This would largely come from how you have raised them and the kind of behavior you have modeled," says Tanvi. Taking care of their grandparents, respecting your decisions, or even volunteering for a cause, these little things are a sure sign of right parenting. It shows that your child has respect and empathy for others.

Sign 7: Your child feels assured of your unconditional love

"I know for sure that my mom loves me a lot and will always be there for me, no matter what." If these are the words your child says time and again, rest assured that you are bringing them up the right way. When you demonstrate care in loving and firm ways, your child understands that you will always be there for them, no matter what.

Sign 8: Your child understands boundaries

It is good to give your child some freedom, but at the same time draw the line with clear boundaries. "I give my children the freedom wherever it is required, like going out with friends, but with boundaries. They have to be home by 6:00 p.m. or call if they'll be late. They understand it is for their own safety and follow them," explains Roopa Suresh, a mother of two from Bengaluru.

Sign 9: Your child feels happy

This is what every parent hopes for. If your child feels happy with their life, you will know that you are doing well in the parenting department.

Sign 10: Your child becomes independent

The time when you really feel that you have done an awesome job as a parent comes when your child asks you to 'let go'. They might need you at times, but also to begin to understand their responsibilities better.

These are a few sure signs that parents are doing everything the right way. However, every child is different from the others, and so are their needs.

A gentle reminder for every parent

So, get to know your child better by spending time with them and enjoy this journey of parenting!

Last updated on: November 28, 2025