They say that you tend to become your father or your mother the very minute you have children. How many times do we see that in the movies, especially come Oscar time? Be it drama or comedy, there is a moment wherein one character stops, reflects and blurts out, "I'm my dad" or "I'm Mom."

Art imitates life. Naturally when we grow up, the parenting skills applied on us by our parents is what we see. Though some may not be beneficial for us, we eradicate these the very minute we have our own offspring. Simply put, you continue with the good parenting skill you learned from your folks but at the same time, you also do not do to your kids those parenting skills that you didn't fancy receiving when you were growing up.

Parenting is very important and it does not stop the minute your child turns 18 and moves out of the house. Once you are a parent, you are a parent forever.

Becoming a parent is daunting but one must never let fear get the better out of him. It is the better that the parent must have the confidence to begin with. In doing so, he is more secure with the decisions he makes in raising his child.

Love and care are two elements involved in good parenting. By giving a secure, warm and happy home, the children are made aware of the rules they will encounter in life. Basics are sharing, respecting other people and telling the truth.

Parents must also develop the self-esteem of their children. In doing so, not only will they be more confident, they will not let other people push them around. By knowing their self-worth, children grow up to be fine men and women in the society.

A parent must always be consistent - especially with rules. Of course, we find ourselves having swayed convictions therefore indulging their wants and demands because they are our children, but always think what effect will our action have on them? If a parent usually gives in, the child will grow up spoiled and disrespectful of other people's feelings. Since the home is the foundation of rules, it is best that the child receives the needed discipline there. A parent must have ground rules that cannot be broken.

A parent must also form a relationship with their children. Some parents opt for parent-children relationship wherein there is this wall between them while some go for the "friend" relationship. With the latter, children can come up to them whenever they need advise. An open relationship with the parent is very healthy for both parties.

Furthermore, there's no telling how a child will turn out. Society influences the personality of the kid and this might reflect on his actions. Now it is the job of the parent to guide him and tell him what is right and what is wrong. A strong family unit can also help. Since the child knows he has a stable support system, he will not entirely depend on questionable friends.

You cannot read tons of parenting books and say you are a good parent. It takes years to become a good parent. But at the end of each day, when your child hugs you close to him and tell him you are a good father or a good mother, take his word. Chances are, you really are.