Academic parents

[Han]

Ok, so, today I got asked to be a mum by two lovely girls! Yay!

But here's my question: what makes a good academic parent? Anyboy had any particularly good ones, or any awful ones?

C'mon I want stories people

[McK]

Quoting Han from 23:35, 17th Oct 2006
Ok, so, today I got asked to be a mum by two lovely girls! Yay!

But here's my question: what makes a good academic parent? Anyboy had any particularly good ones, or any awful ones?

C'mon I want stories people

Seriously? Depends on how you define 'good'. A couple of members, at least, of my academic family read the Sinner so maybe they will disagree with me.

I found that cooking for them on the odd occasion was a good thing, especially given the low standards which university catering seems to show.

But what makes a good academic parent? Surely it must be similar qualities one would like to find in a good friend. That, of course, is entirely subjective.

[starsandsparkles]

Having a family night once in a while and talking to your children on a regular basis is good - Some of my friends only ever see their parents if they randomly bump into them, whereas I see (or at the very least speak to via email/text/facebook) my mum and dad every week at least.

[Gubbins]

To be a good academic parent (apologies for writing while inebriated and jetlagged)...

I have made my mistakes while being a parent, it's true, but to be a good academic parent is to be there when your children need you. I graduated over two years ago, but still maintain a good relationship with my academic family. I still see my wife, despite going out with one of my daughters. I visited another of my daughters in Canada last week. I helped a child of mine cope with the worst time in her life and helped bring her out the other side. I was, and am, their friend. I look out for them, I care for them, but above all, I threw a Raisin Party for them. If your parents can do that, and not screw it up, they're doing better than me!

[hr]

...but then again, that is only my opinion.

[angel_kohaku]

They also have to give you a Raisin string. They can be your bestest friend in the world, but if you don't get that Raisin string then your parents suck.

[hr]

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers

[LittleBlue]

I think being around (Kayleigh - I've rather neglected you and I'm sorry!) is the main thing.
Also providing food. The best thing my mum ever did was look after me when I was ill - that hot toddy did more good than a weeks worth of cough mixture! I just like that if I call my mum and tell her I need a hug, I'll get one. Love you Mummy Eleanor!

[Mehmsy]

Just having a chat with your kids from time to time is enough to feel them appreciated, rather than some necessary and routine thing. Also, family reunions.

[hr]

http://standrews.facebook.com/profile.php?id=37106593

[harmless loony]

I graduated in June but have kept in touch with my kids and step kids (and grandkids and great grandkids)....the key is to make sure you contact them once a week - whether it be by text, facebook, email, letter, phone whatever - just to let them know you are there for them. Even now they will phone me and ask me where such a such building is or where can they find xyz lecture theatre so I'm pretty much in the loop!

My 2 mothers never made me a raisin string and i only saw my academic father twice However, my kids were rather cool and made me a raisin string too. I made them all a string (a lot of thought and care went into them).

Just be a good pal to them - organise parties (if you're in hall - have them in your kitchen) - I found ice cream went down a treat with my kids! (Oh and it's always nice to remember their birthdays!)