Whatever the circumstance that initiates parenthood, there is one constant variable: There is a new person in this world who needs nurturing. The most qualified people for this job are parents. It's true, there are no manuals, but each of us has the basic tools necessary to become effective parents. These tools are programmed into our DNA for the survival of the species. The only difference between us and the rest of the animal kingdom, who seem to have no problem raising their young to become self-sufficient members of their social order, is our self-indulgent free will. Effective parenting requires love, patience, strength, resilience and a sense of purpose. Effective parenting also requires a social support system that reinforces and supports parents' efforts. Parents and communities must come together to effectively raise the adults of tomorrow. From birth, children have their parents right where they want them. Their awareness of this is undeveloped, but they instinctively know they are in control and will not give up this power easily. The earlier parents take control, the more effective the parenting is. In my daughter's childhood that moment came in middle school. Jessica belonged to a youth bowling league. The teams were chosen by the championship director. Two of the girls on Jessica's team had very different lifestyles than Jessica. At fourteen these girls had very little parental supervision. Their parents didn't need to know where these girls were or who they were with. They were free to walk the streets of the city and had no curfew. Jessica saw these girls as “cool” and envied their freedom. I had my concerns. As the weeks went by, my daughter became defiant, her dress pattern changed, her way of speaking... in the center of the card... responsibility and social responsibility. Children need us to become role models and demonstrate the kinds of skills and behaviors necessary to be productive, well-adjusted adults. Some parents don't take the time or make the effort necessary to raise responsible and productive adults. Some believe that the responsibility for raising children falls on daycare centers, schools, the Internet, grandparents, peers, courts, and any other available institutions. On the contrary, some see parenting as an extraordinary adventure. Many parents recognize the value in what they do and the impact their efforts have, not only on their children, but on all of humanity. There will always be differences in parenting. Parenting is as diverse as the individual. By working together, as individuals and communities, we can collectively instill the skills and behaviors the next generation will need to carry forward.