Raising kids is a tough gig, possibly the toughest there is. You’re molding little human beings into adults, hoping they turn out to be good, well-rounded, standout individuals.

It’s a lot of pressure, right? I get it.

Maybe you’ve read a parenting book or two (or twenty), enrolled in a parenting class, or even turned to Google in a desperate 2 am search. But you’re still not sure if you’re doing it right. And let’s face it, there’s no universal manual for this parenthood thing.

But here’s some good news: psychology has a few pointers for us. It turns out that parents who raise standout human beings have some habits in common. And no, it’s not about being a ‘perfect parent’ or having superhuman patience (though that can certainly help).

In this article, I’ll be sharing 8 habits that parents of standout human beings seem to have in common according to psychology. And guess what? They’re easier to incorporate into your life than you might think.

1) They practice active listening

Active listening is a powerful tool in any relationship, and when it comes to parenting, it’s no different.

Think of it this way, when you’re talking to someone, you want them to really hear you, right? You crave their attention, their understanding, their empathy. It’s the same for your kid. Whether they’re telling you about their day at school or their latest Minecraft creation, they want to feel seen and heard.

Parents who are raising standout human beings don’t just listen with their ears. They listen with their eyes, their body language, their responses. They put down their phones, turn off the TV, and focus completely on their child.

Active listening shows your child that they’re valued, that their thoughts and feelings matter. It teaches them how to be good listeners too, a skill that will serve them well throughout life.

2) They aren’t afraid to show vulnerability

Showing vulnerability as a parent is a tough one for me. I mean, we’re supposed to have it all together, right? We’re the ones who are supposed to have all the answers, the ones who are strong and infallible. But that’s not real life, is it?

I remember one day when my son came home from school, upset about a misunderstanding with a friend. I listened actively and empathetically, but I saw an opportunity to share something personal too.

I told him about a time when I was his age and had a similar situation with my best friend. I shared how hurt I felt, the confusion and the tears, and how we eventually managed to talk it out and heal our friendship.

His eyes widened in surprise as he realized that I too had been in his shoes. It was a moment of connection, of shared human experience.

Parents who raise standout human beings understand the importance of showing their own vulnerability. It lets your children see you as human, not just as their parent. It shows them that it’s okay to make mistakes, to feel hurt, or to not have all the answers.

3) They lead by example

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Now, that’s a powerful statement, isn’t it? But what does it mean when it comes to parenting?

It means that parents who are raising standout human beings don’t just tell their kids how to behave, they show them. They lead by example.

You see, kids are like sponges. They soak up everything around them, especially when it comes to their parents’ actions. If you want your child to be kind, show kindness. If you want them to be resilient, demonstrate resilience in your own life.

I’m not saying it’s easy. In fact, it can be downright challenging. We’re human after all, we have our own struggles and flaws. But acknowledging our mistakes and striving to do better is part of leading by example too.

Because as Gandhi said, change starts with us. And if we want our children to be standout human beings, we need to strive to be standout human beings ourselves.

4) They encourage curiosity and learning

Did you know that the average four-year-old child asks over 400 questions a day? That’s a whole lot of curiosity! And while it might be exhausting to answer all those questions, it’s also an opportunity to foster a love for learning.

Parents who raise standout human beings understand the importance of this. They don’t just answer their child’s questions, they encourage them to ask more. They feed that natural curiosity and turn it into a lifelong love for learning.

They don’t just stop at answering questions either. They read with their kids, explore nature together, visit museums, and engage in creative activities. They make learning an exciting adventure, not a chore.

And guess what? It doesn’t stop when your child starts school. In fact, it’s even more important then. You see, school teaches kids a lot of things, but it can’t teach them everything. That’s where you come in.

5) They prioritize emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, and to understand and empathize with the emotions of others. It’s about being able to navigate the ups and downs of life with patience, understanding, and resilience.

You see, raising a child who excels in school or sports is great, but raising a child who is emotionally intelligent is even better.

These parents teach their children to name their emotions, to express them in healthy ways. They teach them that it’s okay to feel sad or angry, that these feelings are part of being human.

They also model empathy and compassion in their interactions with others. They show their children how to be kind, how to help others, how to be a good friend, a good sibling, a good human being.

6) They nurture individuality

Every child is unique, with their own set of talents, interests, and quirks. Parents who raise standout human beings get this. They don’t try to fit their child into a mold or compare them to other kids.

Instead, they celebrate their child’s individuality. They encourage their passions, even if they don’t quite understand them. Your daughter loves bugs? Great, let’s learn more about insects together. Your son wants to dance? Fantastic, let’s find a dance class that suits him.

They also respect their child’s pace. Some kids learn to read early, others later. Some are social butterflies, others are more reserved. And that’s perfectly okay.

These parents understand that every child blooms in their own time. They know that success isn’t about ticking off boxes or meeting societal expectations, but about nurturing their child’s unique potential.

7) They set healthy boundaries

In a world that’s increasingly interconnected, setting boundaries can seem like a daunting task. But parents who raise standout human beings understand the importance of healthy boundaries.

Boundaries teach kids about respect – respect for themselves, respect for others, and respect for their environment. They help kids understand that their actions have consequences and that their choices matter.

These parents aren’t afraid to say no when necessary. They don’t give in to every demand or desire, they don’t let their child do whatever they want whenever they want. Instead, they help their child understand the reasoning behind the rules.

But here’s the thing: setting boundaries isn’t about being strict or controlling. It’s about providing structure and guidance, about helping your child navigate the world safely and responsibly.

8) They show unconditional love

At the end of the day, the most important habit parents who raise standout human beings have is showing unconditional love. It’s a simple thing, but it’s powerful beyond measure.

Unconditional love doesn’t mean you never get angry or disappointed. It doesn’t mean you condone bad behavior. What it means is that your love for your child isn’t dependent on their achievements, their behavior, or their choices.

These parents make sure their children know they are loved for who they are, not for what they do. They express their love openly and often, through words and actions. They provide a safe haven where their child can always find acceptance and understanding.

Unconditional love is the foundation upon which all the other habits are built. It’s the magic ingredient that turns good parents into standout parents, and children into standout human beings.

A closing reflection

As you read through these habits, you might find some that resonate, some that challenge, and some that inspire. That’s okay. Parenting isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey.

Remember, the goal is not to become a perfect parent, but to raise children who feel loved, understood, and empowered to be their best selves. And that starts with us being our best selves.

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this article, it’s this: You are enough. You have what it takes to raise a standout human being. And no matter where you are on this journey, know that you’re doing an amazing job.

So let’s continue to grow together, learning from each other and from the wisdom of psychology. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just raising children – we’re raising the future. And that’s something worth striving for.