It's been said that children are our future. Not only that, the future is our children's inheritance. As what happens in the past is what influences the future, it is the duty, and moral obligation of the parents to provide good parenting to their children to equip them for the future.

Parenting is not an easy task. Children are very vulnerable and one wrong move, no matter how noble the intention, could mar them for the rest of their lives, and could cause them to spend thousands on future counselling and therapy bills.

You need not just parenting, but good parenting. It is the most noble occupation out there, for one to rear their child with care. So what's a parent like you to do?

The foundation of good parenting is a good relationship. Establish one with your children. Spend quality and quantity time with them. Read them stories every night. You don't just discipline your children, you lavish them with tender loving care.

Let your children know that you are a person that they can depend on and be open with. If you let your kids experience this early on, it will prevent a lot of problems early on.

Discipline is essential to good parenting, but should not border on the point of sadism. Be firm in your discipline but do not be harsh. Explain the reason for your punishment, because most of the time, children don't even understand what they did wrong.

Always say in the end that this was not because you hate them but because you love them and you want them to learn. Otherwise they will think that you hate them and this seed that you planted will grow into one that harbors resent and shows rebellion.

Parenting starts as soon as your child is born. While they will need to be exposed to the cruelties of the outside world, make sure the home is free of these awful influences.

Be an example to your children, but do not let them lead an overly sheltered life. Sometimes lessons are best learned the hard way, but this doesn't mean that you let them completely loose. You should warn them of the dangers and consequences of the actions that they might take. Don't be afraid to set limits too. They are only kids after all, and while they can learn the hard way, it's always less painful for them to be taught by lecture. Let your children know that you are a parent that will always be there for them through thick and thin, no matter what.

Parenting is not just telling your children to stay off drugs and booze and sex and cigarettes. It is also the imparting of important principles every person needs to get through life.

While skills may get to the top, bestselling author John Maxwell says that it is your character that will keep you there. So live your life as if you are under a microscope, because everything is seen by your children. They don't know any better and you will be imitated by them.

Ever lamented that you are just like your mom and dad, that you do exactly what your parents do, and you hate it? Now, you don't want your children doing that in the future, do you?

Live up to the call. Be your children's greatest hero.

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of ParentingHq.com and writes expert articles about parenting.

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