What do you think makes a parent?

Question

So I'm talking about the people that 1) want nothing to do with the baby they helped make, 2) don't love their children / wish they never came into this world 3) idk I can't think of other examples.

To me being a parent means you provide for your child, do everything you can to make that child happy & healthy. I don't think that just because you contributed biologically that makes you a father/mother. I think how you raise a child makes you a father/mother. Like think of all the step dads that stepped up when they didn't have too. They're a father to me.

Answer

Are you talking about birthparents?
 I believe that a parent is to provide for a child, maintain the safety for the child and  love and care for the child. I am adopted and my mom and dad are the ones who raised me not birthed me.

In leiu of saying that, my birth mother is a  pretty amazing woman to know she couldnt provide the love and care a baby or child needed at the time. Selfless and loving. She grew to be a parent herself and loves her daughter very much.

I think timing is everything and knowing whats right for you.

Answer

Exactly! Just b/c a person laid down and had sex to make a child does not make them a parent. Yes, through birth they will gain the title of being someone's mother or father but if their not parenting, providing, or doing anything for the child then they are not a parent. I know plenty of step parents, god parents, aunts, and uncles who have stepped up to provide, teach, comfort, discipline, and raise a child/their relative when their mother or fathers couldn't or wouldn't. Parents don't give birth then run off and leave the child, act like they don't have responsibilities, or make the child their last priority, but a mother or father can. And a parent can be anyone who stepped up and took the role of someone's mom or dad ,when thier mother or father took the role for granted. Giving birth means nothing if your not being a parent to the child. That's why a lot of kids/teenagers don't even acknowledge their birth mother and father especially if they are unfit and give credit to the ones who raised them and refer to them as their parent/mom or dad.

What do you think makes a parent?

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