While it is not within the capacity of most to be a skilled neurosurgeon, a world-class sprinter or a famous composer, virtually anyone can be a good parent. When they hold an infant child for the first time, most want to become outstanding parents.

Yet, no matter how hard they try, many parents feel like they fall short at times. For example, a recent study by the Pew Research Center found 46 percent of parents wish they could be more involved in their children’s lives.

Because every child is different, there is no fail-safe formula to be successful as a parent. There are, however, some general principles that can increase the likelihood of being an exceptional parent. These provide a good start.

Emphasize education

In modern society, the importance of education cannot be overstated and its value is more than monetary. Ben Franklin said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” For parents, providing educational opportunities for children can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, today there are public, accredited online schools available to children of all grade levels at no cost.

Teach by example

“The foundation of effective parenting is leading by example,” writes marriage and family therapist Sandra Dupont in an article for The Huffington Post. “When children observe how we treat them and others, they learn how to behave. A parent’s interaction with their child literally impacts their child’s brain development, and parenting styles can be passed down through generations.” In other words, what you do as a parent likely has far more impact than what you say.

Focus on responsibility

The best way to teach responsibility is to give children tasks and hold them accountable whether they complete them or not. A parents.com article notes many children who can navigate a smartphone can’t make their own breakfast because they never have to.

Practice humility

Many parents worry about children who feel entitled. Mommy blogger Kristen Welch explains it isn’t healthy for children to be constantly told they are special. “They don’t need to hear they are the best at everything and everything they do is the best,” she notes. “Self-esteem isn’t bad, but narcissism is.” The antidote to entitlement is humility.

Be honest

Thomas Jefferson said, “There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual, he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good dispositions.” While many in the current world apparently place little value on honesty, it remains a trait that simplifies life.

Work hard

Children who learn to work will invariably be successful in life. In order to learn that lesson, they need to see their parents work and they need opportunities to work alongside them. Too often today the focus seems to be on achieving happiness through entertainment and leisure rather than through hard work and accomplishment.

Accept adversity

Everyone faces challenges in life. How we deal with those challenges is what determines our character. When they find themselves in challenging circumstances, great leaders avoid self-pity or anger, explains Mike Maddock in an article for Forbes. He suggests, “The next time you’re faced with a particularly brutal challenge, ask yourself what you may learn from it,” and teach your children to do the same.

Being a parent is challenging, but by setting a proper example and staying actively involved, parents can know they are doing all they can to help their children. And when those children grow up to be contributing, responsible adults, few things are more rewarding.

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