Growing up isn’t an easy task, we all know that.

You’re constantly learning, making mistakes and trying to figure out who you are, where you fit in this vast world.

Sometimes, while navigating through this maze of life, you might wonder if your parents did a good job raising you.

After all, they were the ones who laid the foundation of your values, the ones that guide your decisions, actions and ultimately determine the person you become.

Reflecting on this, I realized that there’s no universal manual for perfect parenting.

However, there are certain values that, if instilled during childhood, can be a strong indication that your parents did a stellar job raising you.

With this article, I aim to shed some light on these values, those golden nuggets that make you stand out in this competitive world.

No, it’s not about having the highest degree or being the most successful. It’s about being a good human being – compassionate, respectful and ethical.

Let’s delve into these eight values that indicate your parents raised you right.

Trust me when I say this: if you identify with these, give your parents a big hug the next time you see them.

They’ve done an amazing job!

1) Empathy: the cornerstone of all relationships

Empathy is often the first value we learn as children.

It’s that little voice inside your head that makes you feel for others, understand their joys and sorrows, and reach out to help when needed.

Think about it, did your parents ever tell you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes when you had a disagreement with a friend?

Or did they encourage you to share your favorite toy with your sibling, even when you didn’t want to?

A lack of empathy can create a rift in any relationship.

But if this value was instilled in you from an early age, you’re more likely to be understanding and considerate, not just in your personal life, but also professionally.

It’s not just about being nice – empathy builds bridges, dissolves differences and fosters mutual respect.

If this sounds like you, it’s safe to say that your folks did a great job raising you!

2) Honesty: the best policy

If empathy is the cornerstone of relationships, then honesty is the glue that holds it all together.

It’s another integral value taught in childhood that plays a significant role in shaping the adult we become.

I recall a time during my school days when I accidentally broke my neighbor’s window while playing baseball.

Instead of hiding or blaming it on someone else, my parents encouraged me to take responsibility for my actions.

I was terrified of the consequences, but I went over to my neighbor’s house, confessed what I had done and offered to pay for the damages from my savings.

That was a hard lesson for me as a kid, but it was a pivotal moment that ingrained in me the importance of honesty.

It taught me that being truthful might be difficult at times, but it’s always worth it in the end.

If you can relate to this, if you find yourself choosing truth over convenience consistently, then kudos to your parents!

3) Respect: the bedrock of every interaction

Albert Einstein once said, “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.”

This quote beautifully captures the essence of respect – a value that forms the bedrock of every interaction we have with others.

Just like Einstein, if you treat everyone with equal respect, regardless of their status or background, you’re demonstrating a value that your parents must have instilled in you.

Respect isn’t just about showing courtesy or politeness. It’s about genuinely valuing others for who they are and acknowledging their worth.

I remember my parents teaching me to respect everyone’s time, opinions, and feelings.

They showed me that everyone has a unique story to tell, and each person I meet is a new book waiting to be read.

So, if you find yourself naturally inclined to treat everyone around you with kindness and respect, take a moment to thank your parents for this invaluable lesson.

4) Perseverance: the key to unlocking potential

Did you know that Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at inventing the light bulb?

When a reporter asked him how it felt to fail a thousand times, Edison replied, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.”

This is perseverance – the unwavering courage to keep trying despite setbacks.

It’s not about never failing, but about getting back up every time you fall.

Growing up, my parents often shared stories like this to teach me the value of perseverance.

They instilled in me that success isn’t about instant gratification but the result of consistent effort and resilience.

5) Gratitude: the daily dose of positivity

Gratitude takes us a step further than just acknowledging the good in our lives.

It’s about cherishing them, expressing our thankfulness and not taking anything for granted.

Growing up, I was taught to be grateful for everything – from the food on my table to the roof over my head.

My parents made it a habit at dinner to share one thing we were grateful for each day.

It could be as simple as a friend’s kind gesture or a beautiful sunset.

This habit of daily gratitude made me realize how every day is filled with moments to be thankful for.

It has kept me grounded, appreciative, and positive even when times are tough.

So, if you find yourself regularly expressing gratitude for the big and small things in life, your parents have indeed passed on an invaluable life lesson.

This daily dose of positivity is something that will help you stay optimistic and appreciative throughout life.

6) Accountability: owning up to your actions

Accountability, in essence, is taking responsibility for your actions, the good and the not-so-good ones.

It’s about understanding that every choice we make has consequences and being ready to face them.

Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of accountability. If I made a mistake, they didn’t just let it slide.

Instead, they made sure I understood my error, the impact it had, and how I could prevent it from happening again.

This value of accountability is more than just saying sorry when you mess up.

It’s about learning from your mistakes and making better decisions in the future.

If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions, then your parents have instilled a vital value in you.

This characteristic not only builds trust but also helps you grow as a person.

7) Generosity: the joy of giving

Generosity is more than just sharing your wealth or possessions. It’s about giving your time, attention, and love to those around you.

It’s about making a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small it might seem.

I remember how my parents used to involve me in charity events during holidays.

We would prepare meals for the less fortunate or donate clothes we no longer needed.

These experiences taught me that the joy of giving is far greater than that of receiving.

If you find yourself naturally inclined towards helping others, sharing your resources, or simply being there for someone in need, then your parents have done a commendable job.

They’ve instilled in you a value that is not only rewarding but also makes the world a better place.

8) Self-respect: the foundation of self-love

All the values we’ve discussed so far culminate in one crucial value – self-respect.

It’s about understanding your worth, asserting your needs and boundaries, and not settling for anything less than you deserve.

Growing up, I was taught that respect starts from within. My parents emphasized that before I could respect others, I needed to respect myself.

This meant being true to my values, standing up for what I believe in, and taking care of my physical and mental health.

If you hold yourself in high regard, give credit where it’s due, and treat yourself with kindness and respect, then your parents have imparted the most significant value.

This sense of self-respect is the foundation of self-love and forms the basis of how you interact with the world.

Final thoughts

As we reflect on these values, it’s important to remember that no one is perfect. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

But if you see these values reflected in your actions and choices, then give yourself a pat on the back and your parents a heartfelt thank you.

These values are more than just guideposts for life.

They are the tools that shape us, allowing us to navigate life’s challenges with grace, compassion, and resilience.

They equip us to make the world a better place, one act at a time.

Take a moment to appreciate these values in your life. Reflect on how they’ve shaped you and how you can continue to embody them moving forward.

Whether it’s showing more empathy, practicing honesty, or standing up for what’s right, every small step counts.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Your beliefs become your thoughts… Your actions become your habits…Your habits become your values…Your values become your destiny.”

Embrace these values and you’ll be well on your way to shaping a destiny you can be proud of.

Here’s to the journey of life, full of learning and growth. Here’s to the values that shape us. And here’s to the parents who raised us right.