Amir and Baba's Relationship in the Kite Runner

According to the dictionary the definition of ideal is "the perfect type, what one would wish to be." Everyone strives to be the best person they can be, and sometimes they achieve that, while other people fall short. A parent can be a prime example of someone who is an ideal person. A father is a male parent, whereas a successful father is someone who attributes acceptance, unconditional love, and creates a special bond with their child. In the Kite Runner, Baba is the father to the protagonist Amir. At the beginning of the novel, Baba tries to forces sports and "man like activities" onto his son. Little does he realize that his son is interested in poetry, writing and does not like violent activities. "Mostly, I will never forget Baba's valiant efforts to conceal the disgusted look on his face as he drove in silence." Becoming a successful father is a process, not a chore or a task. While also, accepting someone is not a chore. Everybody has their own faults and flaws, but acceptance means that you do not try to change those flaws. "Children aren't coloring books, you don't get to fill them in with your favorite colors." As a successful father you accept all the good, bad and ugly in your child. Having acceptance for your child also leads into having unconditional love. As the progression throughout the novel you explore more of Amir and Baba's relationship. Baba seems to actual be human opposed to just an old man with strict enforcements. And although misguided at points, Baba does love Amir. "The problem, of course, was that Baba saw the world in black and white. And he got to decide what was black and what was white." Love is not a black and white scale, there is greys and room for interpretation. Having an unconditional love is not a love that does not know pain, it is a love that diminishes that pain, and regret. Baba gives up his life savings for Amir and Soyara's wedding, which is something a successful father would do. Unconditional love is a love that has no limitations and can go on for eternity. A love that is not always spoken, but always felt. It is a love that everybody wishes to have in their life and a father would die to provide it. Having a special bond is most beneficial in being successful. Making your child a number one priority can strengthen and endure that bond. Giving your child the ability to be open and honest no matter the circumstances can create a trust between father and son. Early on, it is evident that Amir wants to have a bond with Baba, but the conflicts with Hassan put hold on that. Amir's jealous tactics toward Hassan puts strain on his relationship with Baba. Little that Amir is aware of, Baba is also the father to Hassan. The changes throughout the novel cause changes upon these characters. Just because you make bad choices does not mean that you are a bad person. If you can learn to forgive and accept these choices that shows more about your character than anything else. When you step outside of the person you've been and try to find the person you are meant to be, you can surprise yourself. Without even realizing it, you can become the most successful father.