Final answer:
Parents are often heroes in their children's lives, providing selfless love and taking on the responsibility for their upbringing. The meaning of a parent has expanded beyond biological ties, and a strong parent-child relationship contributes to positive outcomes in a child's life. Parents' influence is also evident in the formation of children's political ideologies and worldviews.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parents play a myriad of roles—caregivers, teachers, and often heroes in the eyes of their children. They shoulder the responsibility for a child's upbringing, oftentimes placing their children's needs before their own. This selfless love exemplifies the true essence of parenthood. Over time, the concept of who qualifies as a parent has evolved. With the inclusion of adoption, remarriage, or changes in guardianship, a parent is now recognized as someone with the responsibility for a child's upbringing, regardless of biological ties.
Moreover, adolescence is a time when children seek independence, yet maintain positive feelings towards their parents. A warm and healthy parent-child relationship is crucial, as it is associated with positive outcomes such as good grades and fewer behavioral issues. It's noteworthy that about 7 out of 10 teenagers share similar political ideologies with their parents, indicating the strong influence parental guidance has on forming worldviews, even if about one-third choose a different path.
In summary, parents do not expect any financial reward; their care is grounded in love and responsibility. This dynamic deepens the meaning of family and explains why so many regard their parents as heroes, grateful for the best education and upbringing.