The Parent's Job Description, by Dr. Brad Schwall

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Parenting is a job.  Children will face many choices as they grow.  Parents, grandparents, foster parents, and anyone who has direct responsibility for caring for children have an opportunity to influence the lives of children and the choices they make.  

Helping children make good choices and avoid substance abuse is an ongoing process that starts with the bonding that happens with infants. 

Use the job description for parents below as a checklist of duties, responsibilities, skills, and abilities you need to fulfill and develop to do your best as a parent. 

Job Description

Title: Parent  Pay Range: $0 Report to: Self, child, and family.

Job Summary  Gives information, listens, schedules appointments, directs actions, re-directs actions, affirms, directs management of projects, oversees financial activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops rules and routines.
• Gives clear, specific directions.
• Focuses on choices and consequences.
• Talks about how to choose loyal friends who are positive influences.
• Knows child's friends.
• Talks about substance abuse.
• Has discussions at appropriate times in development about sexuality.
• Teaches self-discipline.
• Listens to understand.
• Empathizes.
• Helps child label feelings.
• Sets limits when necessary.
• Helps child problem-solve.
• Gives attention to positive behavior.
• Gives specific affirmations without exaggerating.
• Affirms inner qualities.
• Shows unconditional love and forgiveness.
• Assists spouse or other family members with duties.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of communication best practices.
• Knowledge of effects of substance abuse.
• Skill to guide behavior.
• Skill to listen effectively.
• Skill to handle stress in a healthy way.
• Ability to set limits.
• Ability to assist children in labeling feelings.
• Ability to assist children in problem-solving.
• Ability to build close relationships.

Credentials and Experience

• No special credentials or experience required to become a parent.
• Employee must be willing to learn from experiences and seek growth and improvement in position.

Special Requirements Willing to work overtime, while tired and sick, holidays, and weekends as necessary.

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