ENGLISH FOR

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

CONTENTS

SPEECH
1REFERENCES
8POWER POINT SLIDES

Dear parents,
Today, as a founder of Brainy Montessori, I am glad to see you here. Thank you for your
support of the work of teachers and school work. I am pleased to have this opportunity to
deliver a speech on this open day. My speech is focused to this area, "What does it take to be
a good parent?"
It is always a pleasure to be able to address young minds. Children are our tomorrow - our
future. Good parents always hand over to their children roots and wings. The roots help
know and remind where home is, while the wings help in taking flight and exercising what
has been taught. As a parent, the most important thing that you can ever teach a child is to get
along with you. Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that
family is the most important. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical parents
are to that foundation. You are teachers and coaches. You are mentors and role models. You
are examples of success and the person who constantly push children toward it.
Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of your life, but
that doesn't mean it's easy. No matter what age your child or children are, your work is never
done. Parenting is difficult work but can ultimately be so rewarding. In the meantime, know
that we are all learning (or should be learning). Parenting is an incredibly demanding job and
you may have some days where you wonder if you have what it takes to be an effective
parent. The job is easier if you have cultivated the right characteristics before your first child
arrives on the scene.
If you were to create a good parent, what qualities would he or she have? What would they
look like? What would they say or do? To be a good parent, you need to know how to make
your children feel valued and loved, while teaching them the difference between right and
wrong. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to create a nurturing environment
where your children feel like they can thrive and develop into confident, independent, and
caring adults. Moreover, the characteristics needed to be a good parent are many, but here are
several that can help form the foundation for good parenting. The characteristics that
mentioned are respect, emphathy, trust, leadership, courage, confidence, gratitude,
understanding and happiness.

1

A good parent is respectful to their child, even when disciplining. Children first learn
respectful behaviors from their parents and caregivers, so a child who is consistently treated
respectfully by a parent is more likely to develop a healthy self-respect, and a respect for
others, including their parent. Parents should keep in mind that it is possible to be respectful
and firm at the same time. In addition to respect your child's privacy. Respect their privacy as
you would want them to respect yours; for example, if you teach your child that your room is
out of boundaries to them, respect the same with their room. Allow them to feel that once
they enter their room they can know that no one will look through their drawers, or read their
diary. This will teach them to honor their own space and to respect the privacy of others. If
your child catches you snooping through his or her things, then it may take him a long time to
be able to truly trust you again. Apart from this, parents should respect their child's interests
and get involved in their life too. They should participate in activities that they all can enjoy.
Parents should try out new things that their child likes.
Empathy means the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. A good parent
knows how to listen, more than talk. Sometimes, all a child needs is a listening ear, a safe
place to talk things out, and for the parent to put themselves in the child's shoes, rather than
jump in and fix his problems for him. A parent who is willing to tune into their child's words,
tone of voice, and body language, will have a better chance of hearing what their child is
really saying. Empathic listening sets the stage for open communication and can go a long
way in strengthening the parent-child relationship. Family communication isnt always easy,
but it is a priority if you want to be an effective parent. Actively listen when your child
speaks, looking directly at her and making it clear that what she has to say is important to
you. You can validate their feelings and repeat the important points in your own words to
make sure youre both on the same page. Negotiate with your child, presenting clear choices
whenever possible. You shouldn't just be there to enforce rules, but to listen to your children
when they are having a problem. You have to be able to express interest in your children and
involve yourself in their life. You should create an atmosphere in which your children can
come to you with a problem, however large or small.
Furthermore, a good parent instilling a level of trust in the child's ability to make ageappropriate decisions. Entrusting a child to make certain choices is a great way to empower a
child, and ultimately help a child learn how to become responsible. When parents try to
control too many things in a child's life, it sends the message, "I don't trust you to make the
2

right decisions, my way is better." Consequently, the more control a parents uses, the less
cooperation they will get. When your children get old enough to make decisions for
themselves, you should encourage them to choose which extra-curricular activities they want
to do or what friends they want to play with. Unless you think an activity is very dangerous,
or a playmate is a very bad influence, you should let your children figure things out for
themselves. They need to learn that their own actions have consequences (good and bad). By
doing so, it helps them to become good decision makers and problem solvers so that they are
prepared for independence and adulthood.
Leadership can be interpreted as guidance because a parent's main role in their child's life is
to be a leader- someone the child can model, and learn from, but most importantly, someone
who will keep them healthy and safe. Leadership in parenting requires being firm, when
necessary, and a willingness to put rules in place, even when those rules are not readily
accepted by the child. Parents, who are leaders, accept that there will be times when their
child will not like them for putting certain limits in place, but they enforce them anyhow,
knowing that it's their job to do what's best for their child. It is undoubted that enforce
rules that apply to every person leading a happy and productive life not model rules of
your ideal person. It's important to set rules and guidelines that help your child develop and
grow without being so strict that your child feels like he can't take a step without doing
something wrong. Ideally, your child should love you more than he fears your rules.
However, parent must be a good role model. If you want your child to be well-behaved, then
you should model the behavior and character you hope your children will adopt and continue
to live by the rules that you set. Show them by example in addition to verbal explanations.
Children have a tendency to become what they see and hear unless they make a conscious
and concerted effort to break the mold. You don't have to be a perfect person, but you should
strive to do as you want your children to do.
On the other hand, it takes courage to be a good parent. The need for courage in parenting
can show up in different ways, such as taking an unpopular stand to instill values, rules, and
limits, even if it goes against what their child, or others may believe. At other times, courage
may be needed to let go and allow a child to make certain choices and experience the
consequences of such choices, so he can learn and grow. Courage is not reckless, nor is it the
absence of fear; it's the willingness to try, and do what needs to be done, despite having fears.
Allow your kids to experience life for themselves. Don't make decisions for them all the time;
3

they must learn how to live with the consequences from the choices they make. After all, they
will have to learn to think for themselves sometime. It's best they start when you are there to
help minimize the negative consequences and accentuate the positive ones. They need to
learn that their own actions have consequences (good and bad). By doing so, it helps them to
become good decision makers and problem solvers so that they are prepared for
independence and adulthood. Besides, let your children make their own mistakes. Life is a
great teacher. Don't be too quick to rescue your child from the results of their own actions if
the consequences are not overly severe. Know that you can't protect your children forever,
and they're better off learning life's lessons sooner than later. Though it can be hard to stand
back and watch your child make a mistake, this will benefit both you and your child in the
long run.
Confidence, parents who are confident don't have all the answers, but they are confident in
their abilities to do the best they can. When they don't know the answer, they look for it.
Rather than dwell on their own mistakes, confident parents are willing to admit them, learn
from them, and make better choices in the future. They see problems as opportunities to learn
and grow. As a result, they're in a better position to help their child develop self-confidence,
as well. Furthermore, parents who are confident have hindsight, now-sight and foresight.
They are not afraid to say they made a mistake and they are open to feedback on how they
can do things better. They teach the concept of acceptance by using everything for their
upliftment, advancement and growth. They demonstrate the concept of patience by being
present -- enjoying what is going on in the moment -- no matter what. They consciously
present the concept of cause and effect so the child can learn through its experiences what is
effective, and what is not effective. Since they know they are more than just a mother or a
father, they take time to nurture and care for themselves so they can give from their overflow.
Remember that a large part of your job as parent is to teach your child what he needs to
become a productive and responsible adult. Model the behavior you want to see and take
advantage of teachable moments to impart wisdom and common sense to your child. Your
child will respond best to lessons that are creative, fun and impart a sense of adventure and
discovery. Set clear limits for your childs behavior and employ logical consequences when
your child complies or defies those limits. Your child should know that you have confidence
in his ability to learn and respond to new challenges.

Gratitude in parenting helps a parent appreciate their child as they are. Gratitude says, "I like
who you are and who you are becoming." Gratitude helps parents become aware of, and help
build on a child's strengths. A grateful parent focuses on and accepts the present moment,
doesn't fret about past mistakes, or worry about the future. Gratitude in parenting helps
parents become more approachable, and a positive influence in their child's life. Based on
each child is individual and unique, avoid comparing your children to others, especially
siblings. Celebrate their differences and instill in each child the desire to pursue their interests
and dreams. Failure to do so may give your child an inferiority complex, an idea that they can
never be good enough in your eyes. If you want to help them improve their behavior, talk
about meeting their goals on their own terms, instead of telling them to act like their sister or
neighbor. This will help them develop a sense of self instead of having an inferiority
complex. Sometimes parents will get caught up in wanting to create a good impression before
friends or in what their friends say regarding their children. We may constantly talk about
how incredibly amazing and wonderful our children are. One parent is talking about their
gifted and talented son. The other parent is talking about their daughter who was chosen for
this or that award. Meanwhile, many, many parents are silent as they wonder why their
children struggle so much. Dont get caught up in your childs feeling inferior or different.
Your child needs to be loved just as she is. Remember that your child is not an extension of
yourself. Your child is an individual under your care, not a chance for you to relive your life
through them.
I have mentioned seven characteristics of a good parent, and now look at what is the eighth.
Probably one of the hardest characteristics to develop in parenting, but the most needed, is
the characteristic of understanding. Many times it can be hard for parents to deal with a
child's misbehaviors, mostly because they don't understand them. One of the worst things a
parent can do is take their child's misbehaviors personally. As part of their growth and
development, children are going to misbehave and do things that go against the rules.
Knowing this can help parents anticipate and redirect a child toward more positive and
acceptable behaviors, and avoid a lot of unnecessary anger. Understanding can also lead to
forgiveness. Don't place unreasonable expectations on your child. There's a difference
between wanting your child to be a responsible, mature individual and forcing your child to
be perfect or to live up to your idea of what perfect should be. You shouldn't push your child
to get perfect grades or to be the best player on his soccer team; instead, encourage good
study habits and good sportsmanship, and let your child put in the effort that he is capable of..
5

If you act like you only expect the best, your child will feel like he or she may never measure
up, and may even rebel in the process.You don't want to be the person that your child is
afraid of because he feels like he will never measure up. You want to be a cheer leader for
your child, not a drill sergeant.

The last but not the least characteristic of a good parent is happiness. Happiness is not given
to a chosen few; it's available to those who choose to make it a part of their everyday life.
Many people wait for things, events, and other people to make them happy, but this is a
mistake. Choosing to be happy is a choice we can all make because it comes from within. It's
a reservoir that we can tap into whenever we choose. It's not designed to make problems go
away, although, sometimes it may. Happiness can help us rise above our problems, and not
just survive, but thrive, in spite of them. Plus, it just feels good to be happy. Parents who
practice happiness have a greater chance of influencing their child's perception of happiness,
and their attainment of it, as well. Most children are naturally happy and enjoy being around
happy parents. . Home should be a place where we look forward to being at the end of the
day. A good parents works to create a home that is a place of warmth, acceptance, and
laughter. "Loving" is the most important element that an ideal parent needs to demonstrate.
When you are loving, you are consciously sharing your thoughts and feelings; you are
tenderly touching and holding your child with care. You are playful and joyful in your actions
and in your guidance. You take time to listen and to explain things to your child so they are
able to understand. You always answer the child's questions. You create quality time where
you can look into the child's eyes and connect with their "soul." You create an environment
that is safe from any emotional, mental or physical harm.
A good parent strives toward their ideal, however, you know it's not reasonable or realistic
to expect or demand that you always ideal. A good parent extends forgiveness to him/herself
when they miss the mark. A good parent knows parenting is an ongoing learning process.
That is our ultimate responsibility as a parent. We try. We hope. We do what we can to build
our house upon the sturdiest rock. And when the winds come, and the rains fall, and they beat
upon that house, we keep faith that we will be there to guide our children, and watch over
them, and protect them, and lead them through the darkest of storms into light of a better
day.

I would like to ended with "The Parent's Heart Is The Child`s Schoolroom". Thank you for
your attention. Have a great day and thank you for sharing your sons and daughters lives
with us. Thanks and have a great day.

(2963 words)

REFERENCES
Campie. (2005). Characteristics of a Good Parent. [Online]. Available:
http://www.studymode.com. [2014, May 30].

Jim Martin. (2005). Top Ten Characteristics of a Good Parent (Conclusion). [Online].
Available: http://godhungry.org. [2014, May 28].

Jim Martin. (2013). What Kind of Wisdom is Needed to be a Good Parent? [Online].
Available: http://godhungry.org. [2014, May 29].

Kathryn Rateliff Barr. (n.d.) What Are the Essential Characteristics of a Good Parent?
[Online]. Available: http://everydaylife.globalpost.com. [2014, May 28].

Robert C. Jameson. (2013). Qualities of an Ideal Parent. [Online]. Available:

Wpendy, Elizabeth Douglas, Krystle C . (n.d.). How to Be a Good Parent.

8