There’s a huge difference between simply raising a child and truly nurturing their growth.
As a child, it’s easy to overlook the lessons our parents teach us. We think it’s all just part of growing up. But looking back, you start to realize that certain things you were taught were far from ordinary.
Being raised by exceptional parents means you’ve learned life-changing values and principles. And you know what? There are certain lessons that can point to this kind of exceptional upbringing.
Here are seven things that, if you were taught as a child, indicate you were indeed raised by extraordinary parents.
1) Emotional intelligence
We all know about IQ, but what about EQ? Emotional Intelligence is not something that is typically taught in school, but it’s crucial for navigating life successfully.
Exceptional parents understand this. They don’t just focus on academic achievements, they put effort into nurturing their child’s emotional intelligence. They teach their children how to understand and manage emotions – both their own and others’.
Think about it. The ability to empathize, to handle stress, to communicate effectively – these are all hallmarks of emotional intelligence.
If your parents taught you these skills as a child, they were not just raising a child, they were raising a well-rounded individual.
Remember, it’s not just about the grades on the report card. It’s about how you handle life’s ups and downs. This is the mark of exceptional parenting.
2) The value of hard work
Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of hard work. It wasn’t enough to just get by, they wanted me to understand the value in giving my all to whatever I was doing.
I remember one specific instance when I was about ten years old. I had a school project that I left to the last minute. Instead of stepping in and doing it for me, my parents stayed up with me late into the night, guiding me but not taking over.
They could have easily completed the project for me, but they chose to teach me a lesson instead. They showed me that procrastinating leads to stress and that it’s much better to plan ahead and work steadily.
That night, I learned more than just the subject of my school project. I learned the value of hard work and preparation – lessons that have stuck with me till this day.
If you were taught similar lessons about hard work and responsibility, you were undoubtedly raised by exceptional parents.
3) Financial literacy
Money management is a critical life skill, yet it’s often overlooked in traditional education systems. Exceptional parents, however, understand the importance of teaching their children about money from a young age.
They teach their kids the value of saving, the concept of budgeting, and the importance of wise spending. They ensure their children understand that money comes from work and it’s important to have a plan for every dollar.
Those money lessons you learned while counting allowance or saving for that special toy were shaping your financial habits way before you even realized.
So if your parents instilled in you the principles of financial literacy at a young age, consider this evidence of exceptional parenting.
4) Respect for all
Exceptional parents understand that respect is a fundamental value to instill in their children. They raise their kids to understand that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.
They model this behavior in their own interactions, treating everyone they meet – from the grocery store clerk to the family doctor – with equal respect.
You see, respect is not just about good manners or being polite. It’s about acknowledging the inherent worth of every person. It’s about understanding that everyone has a story, a journey that deserves acknowledgment.
If you were taught to show respect for all people as a child, it’s safe to say you were brought up by exceptional parents.
5) The importance of failure
I remember vividly, the first time I failed a test. I was in the third grade and had scored a disappointing 40 on a math test. I was crushed. I thought my parents would be upset, maybe even angry.
But instead, they sat me down and explained that it was okay to fail. That it wasn’t the end of the world and that every failure was an opportunity to learn and grow. They told me that even the most successful people have faced failure and used it as a stepping stone to their success.
This lesson, that failure is not something to be feared but embraced, has been one of the most valuable lessons in my life. It has fostered resilience and an ability to bounce back from setbacks.
If you were taught to see failure as a learning opportunity rather than a catastrophe, then you too were raised by exceptional parents.
6) Independence and self-reliance
Exceptional parents understand the importance of raising children who can stand on their own two feet. They know that one day their kids will have to navigate the world without them, and they want to prepare them for that.
They teach their children how to cook, do laundry, and manage time. They encourage them to make decisions on their own and allow them to face the consequences of those decisions.
The goal is not to make life hard for their children, but to equip them with the skills they need to be self-sufficient and successful adults.
If your parents pushed you to be independent and self-reliant, consider yourself lucky. You were raised by parents who were exceptional in their foresight.
7) Unconditional love
Above all, exceptional parents teach their children about unconditional love. They love their children regardless of mistakes, failures, or flaws.
This isn’t about spoiling a child or ignoring bad behavior, but about providing a safe and loving environment where a child knows they are loved no matter what.
This type of love builds confidence and self-esteem. It fosters resilience and encourages children to take risks, knowing they have a safety net of love to fall back on.
If you were taught the meaning of unconditional love as a child, then you were truly raised by exceptional parents.
Final thoughts: It goes beyond upbringing
The lessons we learn during our childhood often have a profound impact on the adults we become. Undeniably, exceptional parents can set a strong foundation for their children’s future success and happiness.
Yet, it’s important to remember that we are not solely defined by our upbringing. As we grow older, we have the power to learn, grow, and even unlearn certain behaviors or beliefs.
If you’ve been fortunate enough to be taught these seven lessons as a child, cherish it. Acknowledge the exceptional parenting you’ve received and strive to pass these values onto the next generation.
However, if you weren’t taught these things, it’s never too late to learn. As George Eliot once said, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
So whether you’re reflecting on your own upbringing or considering how to raise your children, remember that exceptional parenting involves a blend of emotional intelligence, teaching hard work, financial literacy, respect, dealing with failure, fostering independence, and above all, unconditional love.
