To celebrate some of the sweetest parents in the world, we’ve gathered a list of heartwarmingly wholesome examples of moms and dads showing their kids love. Grab the tissues now because some of these stories might just get to you! Enjoy reading this list, and if you have the chance, remember to give your parents an extra squeeze or send them an “I love you” text later today. Then if you’re looking for even more stories featuring sweet parents to read next, we’ve got another Bored Panda piece that you’re going to love right here.
#1 Text From My Dad From A Few Years Ago. I Did Call And Leave Him Another Message, After I Stopped Crying
Image credits: dumbsmoi
Everyone deserves to have wonderful, loving parents, but some people just really hit the jackpot with parents who would move mountains for them. Whether their kids are four years old or forty, there are dozens of examples on this list of moms and dads who have made it clear that they put their kids first. And those wholesome moments will likely be remembered for the rest of their children’s lives. We may not always realize how much our parents do for us when we’re young, but especially once we grow up, we realize how many sacrifices they’ve made for us.
And having great parents does not only benefit us when we’re under their care, it has lasting impacts for the rest of our lives. In fact, when kids feel like they receive unconditional love and affection from their parents, they tend to grow up happier and less anxious. Receiving affection as a child can also protect individuals from everyday stresses. Essentially, when parents communicate well with their little ones, the kids grow up equipped to handle communication in their future relationships in a healthy way.
#2 Dads Feeding Their Babies
Image credits: ohbear64
#3 My Husband Grew Up Without A Dad. My Dad Is Taking Him On His First Father-Son Camp Out Today
Image credits: springchikun
At the same time, it’s very easy for parents to have a negative impact on their children’s lives too. For example, if a kid doesn’t receive enough attention or love from their parents, they will grow up seeking or demanding attention from other sources. This could include acting out in school or constantly vying for attention from a romantic partner when they’re a bit older. Psychologists believe that emotionally distant moms and dads tend to raise kids with lower self-esteem who may be more aggressive and less social as well. The effects of being neglected as a kid don’t simply vanish when someone becomes an adult; there can be life-long repercussions.
That’s why the parents on this list deserve “Mom/Dad of the Year” awards. It may seem simple to keep kids clothed, bathed and fed, but providing the emotional support necessary for them to grow into healthy, stable individuals requires a lot of effort. Of course, time is not a privilege all parents have, if they’re in a situation where they have to work constantly to make ends meet. But when they do find the time for wholesome moments like those featured on this list, their kids will never forget them.
#4 Nothing More Wholesome Than Loving And Supportive Parents
Army dude came and ordered something “kinda gay” cause his son came out to his mom and was apparently scared his dad was gonna hate him or be mad.
Dude: he’s my boy, I love him. Can you make me something, kinda, you know… Kind of Gay?
Me: I got you…
Parenting level: expert.
Image credits: BigginthePants
#5 Father Of The Year Award Goes To This Gentleman Who Was Taking A Very Excited Boy To The Movies
Image credits: Boba_F37T
#6 Happy Father’s Day To The Man Who Chose To Be My Father When He Didn’t Have To
Image credits: dabisbadbackwards
A great thing about the parents on this list is that they are likely shaping children and grandchildren who will continue to be wonderful parents. As humans, we learn by example, and if we see healthy relationships, we’re going to know how to repeat those healthy habits. According to clinical psychologist Dr. Rebecca Bergen, “Our parents’ relationship is our first and most influential example of how to interact and communicate in a romantic relationship. How love was shown between parents is influential on the child.” She explains that people who never saw their parents show affection might be uncomfortable with it when they start forming their own romantic relationships. On the other hand, if your parents gave you a lot of physical affection when you were young, you might innately know how to show that to your partners as well.
#7 Dads Are The Best
Image credits: stayathomies
#8 Father Daughter Bonding Time
Image credits: fejesmg
#9 When I Was Two I Gave My Dad A Stuffed Beluga Whale To Keep In His Work Bag So That If He Ever Missed Me He Could Hold It And Think Of Me
18 years later, my Dad has just informed me he still brings my beluga whale to work with him every day.
Image credits: yung_holmie
Dr. Bergen explained in an article for Brides.com that as kids, we learn essentially everything for our parents, so the behavior we see them model affects essentially every aspect of our lives. When we begin dating, we tend to mimic behaviors we’ve observed in our parent of the same sex and project thoughts about our opposite-sex parent onto our partners. Dr. Bergen notes that this can work in the opposite way as well. For example, a straight girl might not seek out a boyfriend who is exactly like her dad, but if she had a cold and emotionally unavailable father, she might purposefully seek out someone who isn’t like him. There’s no question that having great examples of parents helps individuals cultivate their own healthy relationships.
#10 Good Parenting
Image credits: GlennonDoyle
#11 Went Home For The Holidays And My Birthday; My Dad And I Fell Asleep. Love So Much This Pic My Uncle Took Of Us
Image credits: goldilocksdeluxe
#12 My Parents Couldn’t Afford To Buy Me A Fancy Cake This Year, So After A Long Day Of Work, My Dad Came Home And Made Me One
Image credits: CellyyCat
Having involved parents can also benefit us when it comes to education as well. One 20-year-long study found that when parents make an effort to teach their kids social skills while they’re young, those kids grow up to be more likely to have a college degree and a full-time job by the time they’re 25. And if your parents made you do chores as a child? They were just looking out for your future career, as those who grew up having to help around the house tend to take on more responsibility at work, according to Julie Lythcott-Haims. Author of the book How to Raise an Adult, Lythcott-Haims told Business Insider, “By making them do chores — taking out the garbage, doing their own laundry — they realize, ‘I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life. It’s not just about me and what I need in this moment, but that I’m part of an ecosystem. I’m part of a family. I’m part of a workplace.”
#13 A Fathers Love
Image credits: morganp_2018
#14 Breaking The Cycle
Image credits: hikittyy1
#15 This Dad
Image credits: Connor___W
In a piece Whizy Kim wrote for Refinery 29 titled “The Life-Changing Magic Of Having ‘Good Parents’”, she consulted psychotherapist Dr. Dana Dorfman to discuss what good parenting feels like for children. “Almost through the cells of their body, they’re taking in the experience of being loved, being appreciated, of being nurtured, of being supported, of being soothed,” she said. We all know children are like sponges, and they will soak up love and affection the same way they soak up knowledge or foreign languages. Dr. Dorfman also mentions the importance of unconditional love, so children never feel like they have to do something to earn or deserve affection. It’s important for them to feel safe and loved just as they are.
#16 Anything For His Child
My dad suffers from bipolar disorder and depression. He was in bed feeling very ill the other day. However, when I asked him to help me measure an apartment I was interested in, he woke up, got dressed, and told me – “this is important for you, so let’s go.” And he did.
Image credits: Pepearenas
#17 I’m 22 Years Old, And I Live On My Own In A Different State, I Am Fully Capable Of Taking Care Of Myself. But My Dad Still Sends Me Care Packages And Buys Me Snacks
Image credits: QWERTY36
#18 At The Airport Tonight And After Sitting Began To Hear The Soft Sound Of Reading Aloud (With Voices). This Man Is Reading The Lord Of The Rings To His Children
It reminded me of my mom. I hope to be that kind of parent someday
Image credits: Jekyll_not_Hyde
Another simple feature of the best parents is ensuring they always acknowledge and respect their children’s emotions. Dr. Dorfman notes that it can be easy to minimize or ignore what our kids are feeling when we’re busy, tired and stressed because they’re “just kids”, right? What do they have to worry about? But it’s important to understand that “to a child, whatever’s distressing them is a matter of heaven and earth, and a parent should try to empathize with that”. “I think there’s great value to parents being able to give validation or appreciation of the child’s inner experience,” Dr. Dorman says. “The parent can empathize and appreciate that the child is a separate person.”
#19 My Daughter Asked For A Harry Potter Party This Year. We Couldn’t Have Guests, But I Stayed Up Until 3 Am Making Floating Candles For Her To Have A Memorable Birthday
Image credits: wildmooonwitch
#20 Passing Down A Dress From Mother To Daughter
Image credits: FinessinGawd
#21 My Mom Quilted A Portrait Of My Dog. Dog For Reference
Image credits: casevintageshop
On VeryWell Family’s list of “What Makes a Good Parent”, one of their essentials is seeing our kids for who they are. It reminded me how a friend of mine who is a parent once told me that his eight-year-old was already showing distinct signs of his personality when he was about 6-months-old. And that personality has only become stronger over the last eight years, it has not changed. He told me that it’s important to let our kids be themselves, and to guide and teach them of course, but that we should never try to force them into personality traits or interests that just aren’t natural to them. As someone who doesn’t have kids, that was fascinating for me to hear. But one thing I’m sure of is that that father has done many things that would land him on this list of wholesome, loving parents.
#22 Real Acceptance Be Like
Image credits: ivancedric_a
#23 My Parents Just Stayed With Me For A Week. They Attempted To Stay Up Until 11 Pm To Welcome Me Home After A Long Shift
Image credits: Hellhound0nMyTrail
#24 My Son’s Young Maleficent Costume I’ve Been Working On For Two Years, Finally Finished. Just In Time For Halloween
Image credits: Bulok
When it comes to strengthening your relationship with your children, there are many small things that can be done to increase your bond. As small as it may sound, expressing love more openly can go a long way. Being more vocal about how proud you are of them or leaving them handwritten notes expressing how much you care can be great reminders that they are safe and loved. Quality time is awesome, but quantity time is important too. Doing simple things like enjoying meals together or hanging out in the same room as you read or watch a movie can help your kids feel closer to you. And don’t forget how much asking them about their day and genuinely listening to them can do as well. Showing curiosity in their lives and validating their feelings will make them want to open up to you more as well.
#25 Batteries
Image credits: mcnees
#26 This Dad Has One Great Son
Image credits: sandwoman-23
#27 My Niece (6) Loves Santa Claus. My Dad (76) Loves My Niece. Dad’s Been Growing That Beard Since May
Image credits: Mitsananikone
I don’t have any kids, so I’m far from an expert on parenting, but reading this list is making me feel like I’ve already got some great tips for what to do in the future if I ever end up with little ones of my own. Enjoy reading the rest of these heartwarming, wholesome stories, and don’t forget to upvote all of your favorites. Then let us know if you have any sweet anecdotes of loving moments you’ve had with your parents in the comments below. And now if you’ll excuse me, I need to call my parents and tell them how much I miss them.
#28 My Son Is Upset. I Got Him A Card
Image credits: downtowncrownfrown
#29 My Parents Made A Renaissance Fair For My Kids In My Back Yard. We Made Turkey Legs, Funnel Cakes, Bobbed For Apples Etc. They’re Amazing People And Even Greater Grandparents
Image credits: Dalo600
#30 My Dad Is Afraid To Fly, So When I Was 5 Years Old I Made Him A Doll To Hold On The Plane. Mom Just Sent Me This Picture. The Doll Is 43 Years Old
Image credits: snowglobesnowglobe
#31 Very Proud Parent Moment Here. My Young King Graduated Today From Middle School. I Know His Mom Is Looking Down And Is Very Proud Of Him
Image credits: JoJoTheGemini80
#32 Father Of The Year Award Goes To This Dad
Image credits: vitanzanick
#33 Very Appealing Father And Daughter
Image credits: anna_gazmarian
#34 Best Way To End Decade. My Little Dude Is Officially My Son
Image credits: lastofadinosaur
#35 My Dad Had Passed Out After Taking Care Of My Sick Brother All Night
Image credits: berat235
#36 Her Dad Is The Real MVP
Image credits: Jetty_Boy
#37 That Is Pure Love
Image credits: johakanyamneza
#38 He Took His Daughter To His Graduation, And 18 Years Later He Proudly Accompanied His Daughter At Her Graduation
Image credits: __toritilla
#39 My Dad Drives A Special Needs School Bus. And This Year He Invited All The Kids To His House To See Santa Claus
He also purchased gifts for all the kids for Santa to give them. This was the only picture I could get before the water works. I’m 27 years old and my dad is still taking me to school.
Image credits: Bpayne7
#40 Proud Dad
Image credits: PunkinOnWheels
#41 I Recently Got This Awesome Painting As A Present. My Mom Painted It And Dad Made The Frame. Real Pic On Left For Reference
Image credits: 1meggabytte1
#42 For My Birthday This Year, My Dad Commissioned One Of The Mandalorian Story Board Artists (Who He Knows From High School) To Draw Me As The Mandalorian
Image credits: ilovedoorknobs
#43 And The Dad Of The Year Award Goes To
Image credits: mrseaturtleYT
#44 I Told My Dad That I Bought The Game “Risk” And Wanted To Play It With Him. He Said He’d Never Played. I Show Up To His House And Find Him With Printed Out Battle Plans And Map Strategies
Image credits: friendscallmeadolph
#45 I Am Living Abroad And Asked My Parents To Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday, Since I Am Away. My Dad Texted Me This Picture Titled “Birthday Party”
Image credits: love-fury
#46 Last Minute My Wedding Photographer Suggested I Do First Look Photos With My Dad. I Think His Reaction Shows How Lucky I Am To Have Him As My Father
Image credits: ladyname
#47 My Ex Wife Took My Son When He Was 3. He’s 8 Now. I Drove 1200 Miles To See Him For Thanksgiving And Made This
It’s sparse, but I feel more like a dad than I have in years. He said it’s not bad for my first time.
Image credits: Pliny_the_middle
#48 My Mom Made Me This Ghostbusters Outfit For Halloween Out Of A Couple Of Shoe Boxes And A Vacuum Hose. 1980’s
Image credits: reddit.com
#49 What A Great Dad
Image credits: nonewfriends4me
#50 My Dad (Who Has No Idea How To Cook) Knew I’d Be In Meetings All Day So He Woke Up Extra Early And Made Me Pancakes + Coffee
They tasted awful but they were such a wonderful surprise and I love this man.
Image credits: college-tool
Go to Source
Author: Audrius P.
