Although each child is unique and special in the eyes of their parents, some may wonder, what are the qualities of a good daughter and son?

All parents love their children undyingly. They want to be proud of them and make them happy. They sacrifice a lot to make and keep their children satisfied with their life. They all dream of giving birth or raising the perfect daughter or son.

Parents have many expectations when it comes to their children. They expect them to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. A good child will become a good person.

Qualities of a good daughter

The expectations may vary between a daughter and a son. The girl is expected to maintain their morality, humility, and responsible.

Daughters have the responsibility to help around the house. They are expected to do the chores without having their parents remind them. While growing up, she is sometimes given the responsibilities of her parents. For example, taking care of the siblings like their own mother, changing diapers, preparing bottles, helping with homework, and being a role model.

Daughters should appear well-read and cultivated. Girls are expected to do well academically. They must do their homework without lacking motivation and ask for help if needed.

They are expected to be emotionally aware and understand their feelings. Girls usually internalise their feelings and suppress them. Parents want their daughters to be confident enough to confide in their feelings when something is wrong. They want them to be successful and independent in their life. Daughters should set their own goals and devote themselves to achieving them.

As daughters are closer to their parents than their sons, they are expected to spend more time with them. Remembering birthdays and anniversaries is significant for the parents. They feel valued and appreciated, especially when their children make them gifts bought with their own money or made by themselves during these special days.

Qualities of a good son

A good son has almost the same qualities as a good daughter, but there are other expectations. Sons are expected to help without being asked, for example, to mow the lawn or to pick up groceries. The least they could do was clean up after themselves and keep their room clean.

In some societies is not a lot that is expected from them academically. They should just do as well as they can in school. They are expected to be respectful toward the teachers, do their homework, and keep their grades to the best possible.

The parents should not have to force them to be responsible. They are meant to be independent but stay humble and especially not hesitate to ask for help if necessary. They do not have to be as hard as a rock emotionally and should express their emotions. They should not be scared to admit that they made a mistake or are wrong. They are also expected always to tell the truth. Being honest is one of the main qualities of a good son.

Qualities of a good child

In general, as a child, they are expected to behave in a certain manner to be considered reasonable. A child should show love and care to their parents. They should not be afraid to express their love, saying ‘I love you, mom’ or ‘I love you, dad’. Love can be expressed in other ways, for instance, by making little gifts on no special occasion or taking care of them when they are sick. It shows love and thoughtfulness.

Respect is a foundation of love, and a daughter/son should respect their parent. It symbolises gratitude for the parents’ sacrifices and efforts while raising the children. Respect can be expressed by honouring the rules of the house and respecting the decisions the parents make. If they say that curfew is 11 pm, the children should be home by 10:45 pm. If they say no parties when they are not home, the children should do as they say. Also, honesty is the most important quality of a good child. Lies do not lead anywhere and especially lying to your parents. They value honesty and deem an honest person to be trusted. Once the parents entrust their children, they give them more freedom and stop setting unrealistic standards.

Good communication is also an excellent quality to have as a good child. Communication is key to maintaining a proper relationship with the parents. The children should not be afraid to ask for something and communicate their opinions.

YUVA is one of Africa’s largest organisations led by young people. Children benefit from YUVA by gaining new skills and experience. They learn to develop their personality and behaviour to be the best daughter and son a parent can have.

Overall, there is no perfect child, but some qualities can be acquired to be a proper and decent one. The main ones are to show love, respect, and communication.

Ingrid Roussel, YUVA Intern