Even when you become a parent, you never really escape what it is to be a child. For many of us, our own parents become a greater part of our lives once we have children of our own. Although you might not have seen your parents in a while, suddenly you’re flooded with memories that remind you of the kind of parents you had when you were growing up. Inevitably, those memories force you to think more about the kind of parent you plan to become. If there’s one commonality among many of my friends’ parenting styles, it’s this: We plan to be more accepting parents because progressive parents are truly the best.
Being a progressive and accepting parent doesn’t mean there are no rules in the home. It doesn’t mean you let your kids walk all over you. It definitely doesn't mean that you don't guide or assist your child in understanding the world around them. It simply means that whatever you do, you do with the ultimate goal of raising a kind, accepting, tolerant human being who values all human life and works to end systemic and cultural oppressions. This, in turn, is one of the best ways to make sure your children not only come to you for advice, but that they never run away from you. No kid wants a parent that is constantly putting them and their decisions down. No kid will want to confide in a parent who is threatening or closed off to new ideas. No kid will turn to a parent if they think said parent won't accept them for who they are and what they think or believe.
So, if that the aforementioned reasons aren't enough to prove to you that being a progressive, accepting parent is the way to go, here are a few more reasons why you should consider being that specific kind of parent: