Can a person without a HS diploma be a good parent?

Question

I mean in every aspect of parenting from infant-adult, to being a role model, to a caring being parent.

I have no opinion. I was wondering what other people thought. My cousin was told this yesterday and I was just wondering how other people felt.

I do have a HS diploma--so please don't tell me to get one!

HS is High School Diploma--which means they have finished everything within the public school system.

Answer 1

why not. Education (school) does not make for a good parent.

Answer 2

I suppose so. After all, way back in the day, there was no such thing as high schools and people did fine at parenting. I think the question as to fitness arises because nowadays, graduation from high school is a rite of passage to adult-hood and if you don't have a HS diploma, chances are you did something you shouldn't have or didn't do something you should have, and in that way, interrupted the natural passage to adulthood. So the concern is that you might not be mature enough to be a parent, or you might not be a good enough example to your child, or perhaps you will have to work too hard for less pay because you are not a grad, and that would be bad for your child. But the diploma alone is not what makes a good parent. There is no true education to assure someone will be a good parent and a hs drop-out could be just as loving as a Phd. It is just a lot harder to provide for your child's needs without education.

Congratulations on having a HS diploma. It isn't easy to get one, you had to have a goal and work toward it, and you are to be commended.

Answer 3

I think as far as parenting skills, yes they can.

Now, if the baby is born while the mom is high-school age, I think it's tougher. At 15 or 16, most girls' minds (even mature ones) tend to not be all that objective, and because she's so young, there's not a lot of life experience there. I've known some teenage moms who I would catagorize as selfish whether they were 15 or 25, because they were a little more interested in enjoying their high school experiences and used a baby as a doll instead of an actual child, but I've also known some teen moms who have done a great job of adjusting to the tough life of a mother, made more difficult by being a teenager.

Like I said, I don't think parenting skills are in any way associated with a high school diploma, but I think having the diploma would definately give a mom an edge as far as being able to provide for her child. People with high school diplomas in general make more than people who don't have them, it's a fact, and it's also a fact that the stress of money problems can carry into all other aspects of life (it can ruin marriages and it can make you not so much be there for your kids). Not to mention, if you are making lower wages, it's possible you're having to work two or more jobs in order to make ends meet, and that means you're not able to spend as much time with your kids.

Also, if you have a high school diploma, I think it could help your child when they're a little older. You know, just like parents who smoked pot are going to have to hear from their teenage kids "well, it's not like you didn't do it", a parent who didn't have a diploma could have a more difficult time if their child pushes to have a life that could lead to dropping out. Does that make any sense?

Answer 4

I feel I am A good parent and I still do not have my HS diploma . I plan on getting A GED this spring when they offer the class but I feel none of this has anything to do with my parenting skills.Being A good parent comes from within your heart not your from a high school diploma

Answer 5

yes u can be a good parent without having a HS diploma. All u have to do to be a good parent is be there for your kids help them grow up give them the best life u have to offer that makes a good parent having a HS Diploma or not has northing to do with being a good parent or not.

Answer 6

I think that anyone CAN be a good parent no matter what the education level. being a parent does not require a diploma. now a diploma is needed to support a family adequately. Parenting is a hard job but very rewarding all your cousin needs to do is give the baby her all and everything should be alright

Answer 7

Sure they can, you learn how to be a parent by being a parent. The HS diploma would just make life easier (it is harder now days to get jobs without at least a HS diploma).

Answer 8

Yes they can. parenting has nothing to do with graduating. Look at our grandparents generation~my husbands great grandmother has 12 kids and she didn't finish school. Not only did she raise her 12 but her sister died and she took care of her 18 and this was in Germany during the Holocaust.
You got to know what you are doing with a child but they don't teach you that in HS.

Answer 9

Yes they can. My mom dropped out of high school when she became pregnant with me. It's strange because she was not only 1/4 of a credit away from graduating but also becoming a CNA. Once she dropped out, there was no certification as a CNA. She has always been a great mom to my brother and I though. She's the one who wants me to finish college more than anyone else I know. I think it's strange that the career field she had planned on going into is the same one I plan on doing; medical. My mom still always had a great job while my brother and I were growing up. She worked while we were in school and was off in time to pick us up from school everyday. My mom has always been very honest with my brother and I. My mom is now 39 years old and is finally going back to get her GED. As soon as she does that we're going to finish our nursing degrees together. I'm very proud of my mom.

Answer 10

yes, my hubby has his GED and is a awesome father. the benefit of a diploma is you can get a better job to help support the child. It's about prenatal instinct, listening to your gutt when the baby cries or acts differently then normal, that is stuff they cannot teach you in school or for that matter in any class before or after the baby is born, you can't read how to be a good parent in books it's all trial and error. Most importantly love that baby.

Answer 11

My mom was 16 when she had me and she was a high school drop out. I am a well-educated, well-adjusted adult that had a very happy childhood. I believe my mom to be a great parent. As far as being a positive role model I believe she was the best, because she was honest about her situation and her mistakes. When I was 9 she went back to school and got her GED. She showed me to NEVER give up on your dreams and to ALWAYS reach for more. By the time I was grown and in the military she graduated college. She raised me to not be judgemental of others and to take the facts of life for what they are.