The most important parenting lessons
Parents from around the world share what parenthood has taught them.
Parenting is a journey filled with love, challenges and endless learning.
We asked: "What’s the most important lesson being a parent/caregiver has taught you?"
We were overwhelmed by all the touching and thoughtful responses that we received from around the world. They serve as a reminder that while every family’s journey is unique, we’re all learning.
The most important parenting lesson – in parents' words
“When I first became a parent, I believed that my role was to teach, guide, discipline, and protect. What I hadn’t expected was how much I would learn from my children in return. Parenting isn’t just about raising a child – it’s also about raising yourself, healing your own past, and growing into someone worthy of being their safe space.”
“As parents we are wired to save our children from any harm or hurt, but ultimately we can't. They will fall down, they will get their feelings hurt and they will get scared and angry. Actually, it's often these difficult experiences that allow them to grow and learn about the world. Rather than trying to shelter our children from life's inevitable difficulties, we can help them integrate those experiences into their understanding of the world and learn from them.”
“We need to give children the freedom to choose and at the same time the guidance they need. We need to set a boundary, yet we need to give the freedom to move within this boundary too.”
“Parenting does not start with kids, it starts with parents.”
Love
“To give and to love unconditionally is the most satisfying experience of life.”
“Love and compassion are more often than not the answer.”
Every child is unique
“Every child is different so will be the parenting.”
“Parenting taught me to divide my whole heart into pieces for each of the children to occupy because each of them is unique.”
“He is not me, he has the right to make mistakes and make his own decisions.”
The power of presence
“Children don’t need us to always have the right answers – they need us to show up, consistently, with love and patience.”
“It is important to be emotionally available, consistently supportive and genuinely attentive. Children don’t remember every decision you made, but they remember how you made them feel – safe, heard and loved.”
“The most profound lesson parenting has taught me is that presence is more powerful than perfection.”
There is no perfect parent
“You will get it wrong even when you’re trying so hard to be perfect. Have compassion and empathy for yourself and your kid.”
“You can plan, but always give room to let life lead it’s way.”
“Being a mother taught me to be flexible, laugh at the chaos, not take life too seriously. No matter how much you plan, you will always be surprised. Never think of perfection, enjoy the little moments.”
“Your child doesn't come with an instruction book, we're all learning as we are doing.”
Be kind to yourself
“Being a parent, I understand my parents more. Being a parent, I see it is not easy to be a parent.”
“Motherhood taught me that nurturing a child also means healing the child within. To truly be present for our children, we must prioritize our own emotional well-being without guilt. When a mother is regulated, she becomes a safe harbor for her child’s emotional storms. This is not selfishness – it is the foundation of sustainable caregiving.”
“I always tell my children that it’s my first time being a mum, so let’s help each other.”
“It's okay to give yourself a break and ask for help, your mental health is important to be able to raise great kids.”
“Many of us have heard the quote, 'You can't pour from an empty cup,' or 'You have to put the air mask on yourself before helping the passengers beside you.' These are easy things to say; yet applying and living these words proves to be a challenge. We can get lost in the mix of trying to do the best for our children. We can lose interest and devotion to ourselves. In those moments, we lose the valuable, precious gifts of ourselves that could be taught to our children. Be your best you, so you can give them your best.”
“I deserve to be loved the same way I love my kids.”
Listening and patience
“That we learn to listen both their spoken and unspoken language.”
“Be patient! I believe that I rushed my daughters through many activities. Don't run! Walk at their pace and enjoy it!”
“Being a parent or caregiver has taught me that patience is more than a virtue – it’s a lifeline. Emotional support often surpasses financial support, because children remember how safe, loved, and understood they felt, not the money spent."
“You learn that patience isn’t about never getting frustrated – it’s about showing up again.”
And to end on a message that all governments and businesses should hear:
“The earlier we prioritize parenting the better households and nations we will have.”
Would you like to share lessons from your parenting journey?
These parenting tips and insights were received as part of a UNICEF survey of parents and caregivers around the world. Some entries were edited for length and style.
