When you were growing up, would you say your parents (both, or one or the other) were good role models? Why or why not?
Parents play a huge role in shaping who we become, whether through their actions, values, or the lessons they pass down. Some of us were fortunate to have parents who led by example—teaching kindness, responsibility, and perseverance through their daily lives. Others may have had parents who struggled with challenges of their own, leaving us to learn life’s lessons in different ways.
Being a good role model doesn’t necessarily mean being perfect. Some parents instilled strong work ethics, demonstrated compassion, or showed resilience in difficult times. Others may have had faults that overshadowed their good intentions—perhaps they worked too much, faced personal struggles, or simply didn’t know how to guide their children in a positive way.
What we take away from those experiences can shape how we navigate relationships, careers, and even our own parenting styles.
For some, looking back brings a deep appreciation for the sacrifices their parents made. Maybe they set a strong moral foundation, led by example, or provided unwavering support. For others, childhood might have been more complicated, filled with lessons on what not to do. In some cases, people find role models outside their immediate family—grandparents, teachers, coaches, or family friends who stepped in to provide guidance and support.
How did your parents influence the person you are today? Were they the kind of role models you admire, or did you have to forge your own path without their guidance?
After you vote, please feel free to leave a comment (if you’re comfortable doing so).
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Within their abilities and life experiences, yes.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Taking all things in consideration yes they were but they were kids.
My dad was 10 and my mom was 16.
Yes they were.
So, you’re saying that your dad was 10 years old and your mother was 16 years old when you were born? That’s incredible.
Now there is a story to tell
Oh Wow~ did they stay together?
Not that I don’t believe you, David. But I just want to confirm that “10” is not a typo. Thanks! Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
My father and I didn’t have the best relationship growing up, didn’t care much for my military upbringing. My mom on the other hand was my “rock”, compassionate with a big heart. She always said, “just listen, everything will be okay”. It wasn’t till I finished and graduated from basic training (US Army) that I understood what my father was trying to teach me. I am my father’s son as I am to my son. Lessons learned are “priceless”!
I was the second child of 5. My older brother and youngest brother were treated completely different than the rest of us. Neither could do anything wrong. Anything that did go wrong was blamed on my sister and me.
This forced both of us to be totally independent while growing up.
BTW, my wife and I have been married 54 years and my sister 45 years.
The other two brothers have both been divorced twice.
Both were very good role models. I never felt unloved or uncared for. At the same time, I don’t believe there is such a thing as perfect human parents. We all make mistakes which we acknowledge or have personality quirks that we don’t. It is the degree of these aberrations that determine if we have good or not so good parents.
I got my work ethic from my father. My son lambasted me for it. And then he had his 1st child. Amazing (not) how paying the mortgage, feeding and clothing your child takes precedence.
Black sheep of the family. My brother was the one who couldn’t do anything wrong. Couldn’t wait to leave home after high school. Then off to the military, best move I made because it felt like you had family. I’ve been tough on my children but they’re all great kids and have done well for themselves.
Pretty same story here except it was my sister that could do no wrong.
This is one of the most interesting daily questions yet.
In my case, my mother was our care taker, not necessarily a role model. She passed when I was 21 from prescription overdose. My father was mentally and physically abusive, certainly not a role model. I graduated from HS at 17 and got married at 18 to escape home. My sister was troubled and passed in her 40’s. I am nothing like my parents. Policeman 35 years and happily married. Three grandkids and five great grandkids. The only abuser in my life now, is my old age.
Nobody taught or gave an example to my parents about good parenting. They did the best they knew how. Father liked to talk at the dinner table to give good safety advice. Mother kept us fed.
The life story is too long to relate – sufficient to say my parents divorced when my sister and I were 6-8 yrs old. Growing up bouncing between them was a challenge for us – my mother lived in the twin cities – 240 miles away. While we stayed primarily with my dad and his wife – it was not a rosy childhood with a tattle tail and a whooping when dad came home (traveling salesman). Enuf – however, after my AF basic training a whole new world opened up which my dad never understood. We ended up being best buddies – at long last! (My sister and I ran away twice as youngsters – 12 or 14 or so.).
Growing up I thought both my parents were good role models. They divorced after I joined the Army. My younger brother was already on his own. Both sisters were with our Dad and Mom went to rehab. It only got worse from there on. Took many years to reconcile with my parents. Parents have since passed. Brother died 5 years ago and one sister 2 years ago. Youngest sister and I have a great relationship. But to answer the question now I don’t know at all. Maybe they were good role models to the oldest and youngest, but not to the two middle kids. Just don’t know.
Both I and my wife were brought up in the Ozzi & Harriet / Father Knows Best / Sock Hop days. Our parents were perfect and therefore we are perfect, and our daughter is of perfection. Both sets of parents basically from German backgrounds that taught hard work, discipline, and responsibility. We are of the fortunate ones.
They provided everything we needed, not everything we wanted. They worked hard and taught us to work hard. Were they perfect, absolutely not; but who is!?
My parents married at 19 and had 4 kids by the time they were 23. Dad was college student; mom did not work. She said she begged her doctor for birth control, and he told her she was too young to have it. Growing up was difficult – Dad was a joker always wanting to be the center of attention, as well as frequently saying very inappropriate things at the dinner table and inappropriate touching. Mom was passive and very insecure and did nothing to intervene. She was afraid to let us do things with friends for fear they would get us in trouble. She later told me that if she had not had kids she could have “been somebody”. I was the ‘bad’ kid and left home the day I turned 18.
Hard work and self reliance…I was 5 years old on the roof of the house helping my dad reroof the house. Then I was inside tearing out sheetrock, putting in insulation and rerocking. Later in the garage working on transmissions and engines or in the wood shop building beehives and frames (hobby beekeeper). This treatment wasn’t just for me but both of my older sisters and older brother also. Mom had all of us cooking, cleaning, sewing and taking care of others. Reading was big in the house including reading the World Book Encyclopedia when the tv was broken, which it often was and I now think my dad pulled a tube to facilitate that!
I reared my two boys the same way
Thank you for the question, RV Travel! I think both were pretty good models. As time goes on, my opinion of Daddy has grown. Unfortunately, I took him far too much for granted for far too long. Have a great day and safe travels!
What about all the teardrop owners who camp with joy and the pleasure of not maintaining the big RV most campers have. We are a growing number of campers who have found such peace and tranquillity in the way we choose to camp. Any articles for us???
Hi, Lucy. Just go to our website rvtravel.com and search for “Teardrop” and you’ll find dozens of posts on teardrop campers. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
My parents were good. But I didn’t really appreciate it at the time. Home cooked meals all the time, nice clothes to wear, a roof over our heads, parents very seldom argued, plenty of hobbies and activities were afforded us, money never an issue. They drank socially but never to excess. They were good. I really should have appreciated them more when they were alive. I just took it all for granted.