8 tiny behaviors that instantly reveal good parenting

When you see a child throw a tantrum, you might think ‘bad parenting’; spot a kid sharing their lunch, and you say ‘well-raised’.

It seems simple, right? But parenting is more than meets the eye as it’s a kaleidoscope of countless moments, choices, and yes, tiny behaviours.

Some folks spot these more easily than others, often because they possess certain qualities.

As for me, years of editing and proofreading have sharpened my attention to detail.

It’s not just typos and grammar I’m talking about, it’s the subtle cues, the small actions that make a big difference.

Curious? Let me share eight tiny behaviours that instantly reveal good parenting, so buckle up for a fascinating insight into the world of child-rearing.

1) Mirroring

You see it all the time: A little one stumbles, looks around, and their reaction depends on the adults nearby.

If they panic, the child cries; if they laugh it off, the child giggles and moves on.

This, my friends, is ‘mirroring’.

Mirroring is a basic form of communication borrowed from our early ancestors, and it’s still used today, especially in parenting.

Good parents are masters at this: They set the tone for their child’s emotional reactions and they know that their calm can soothe a storm of tears, that their laughter can ignite joy, and that their attitude can shape a child’s view of the world.

Mirroring is about guiding and shaping emotions in a healthy way and teaching children how to react to life’s ups and downs.

2) The art of listening

When my nephew was around five, he had this obsession with trucks—big, loud, colourful trucks—and every time he saw one, he’d launch into a detailed commentary about its features.

To me, it was just a truck. But to him? It was a world of wonder.

I remember one day after a long editing session, my eyes glazed over from staring at a manuscript, he came running with his toy truck.

“Look, Uncle!” he chirped, his eyes wide with excitement. I was tired and honestly not in the mood for more trucks.

But then I saw his face full of anticipation for my reaction.

So, I put aside my fatigue and listened to his enthusiastic explanation about how this truck could ‘transform’ into a robot.

That’s when I realised the power of listening in parenting.

Good parents take the time to listen—truly listen—to their children. They validate their child’s interests, no matter how small or mundane they may seem.

Listening shows respect for their thoughts and feelings, and teaches them that their words matter.

3) Consistency is key

Ever noticed how kids love bedtime stories? It’s not just about the tales of princesses, dragons, or superheroes, but about routine.

Children thrive on predictability—it gives them a sense of security and control.

Consistent parenting promotes better mental health in children and reduces the risk of behavioural problems.

Good parents set clear boundaries and stick to them, follow through with their promises, and provide a stable environment where their child knows what to expect which, in turn, helps the child feel secure and loved.

Consistency might seem mundane, but its impact is far-reaching. It’s one of those tiny behaviours that speaks volumes about good parenting.

4) Praising effort, not just results

Picture this: A child brings home a less than stellar report card, but they’ve put in their best effort.

Some parents might focus on the lack of A’s. Good parents, however, see the bigger picture.

They understand that success is not just about the end result, but also about the journey.

These parents celebrate their child’s hard work, determination, and progress. They know that this approach fosters resilience and a growth mindset, teaching their child that it’s okay to fail and learn from mistakes.

This tiny behaviour of praising effort over results is a powerful tool in good parenting.

It nurtures a child’s self-esteem, encourages them to keep trying, and shows them that their efforts are valued and recognised.

5) Walking the talk

We’ve all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words.”

I believe it carries a lot of weight, especially when it comes to parenting. I remember my own parents always emphasizing the importance of honesty, and they didn’t just preach it—they lived it.

If they promised to take us to the park on Sunday, they did; If they said they’d be at my school play, they were there.

Good parents understand that children are always watching and learning from them.

They know their actions set the precedent for their child’s behavior. So, they strive to model the values and behaviours they want their child to develop.

This tiny behaviour—walking the talk—is a telltale sign of good parenting. It shows integrity and consistency, reinforcing lessons in a way no lecture ever could.

6) Letting kids be bored

In a world where entertainment is just a click away, it seems almost unthinkable to let a child be bored. But hear me out.

Good parents understand that boredom isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s actually a breather, a pause from the constant stimulation.

It’s during these quiet moments that children tap into their creativity, learn to enjoy their own company, and develop problem-solving skills.

The next time you see a parent resisting the urge to fill every moment of their child’s day with activities, don’t be quick to judge.

They might just be practising one of those tiny behaviours that reveal good parenting.

7) Encouraging independence

There’s a fine line between being supportive and being overbearing.

Good parents know this line well.

They don’t just help their children; they teach them to help themselves.

Whether it’s tying shoelaces, completing homework, or making a simple meal, good parents provide opportunities for their children to learn and practice independence.

Encouraging independence might seem small, but its impact is monumental. It fosters self-reliance, boosts confidence, and prepares children for the future.

8) Unconditional love

At the end of the day, the cornerstone of good parenting is unconditional love.

It doesn’t matter if a child excels or struggles, behaves or misbehaves—they know they are loved for who they are, not for what they do.

Good parents make this love apparent in their actions and words, providing a secure base from which their child can explore the world.

Unconditional love is the heart of good parenting.

Final reflections

If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you’ll see that good parenting is about those tiny behaviours that, like threads, weave together to form the beautiful tapestry of a child’s life.

Parenting, in its essence, is about nurturing a life other than your own—guiding a child to discover their place in the world while respecting the uniqueness of their journey.

The next time you spot a parent practising one of these tiny behaviours, take a moment to appreciate the profound impact they’re making in their child’s life.

Perhaps, reflect on your own behaviours too.

After all, we all have room to learn and grow, don’t we?