Whatever the circumstance that triggers parenthood, there is one constant variable: there is a new person in this world who needs care. The people most qualified for this job are parents. Yes, there are no manuals, but each of us has the basic tools needed 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 autonomous members of their social order, is our 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 the parents' efforts. Parents and communities must come together to effectively raise the adults of tomorrow. From birth, children's parents are where they want them to be. Their consciousness is not developed, but they instinctively know that they are in control of the situation and will not easily give up this power. The sooner parents assume dominance, the more effective their parenting role is. In my daughter's childhood, this moment happened in middle school. Jessica belonged to a youth bowling league. The teams were chosen by the league director. Two of the girls on Jessica's team had a very different lifestyle than Jessica's. 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 city streets and were not subject to any curfew. Jessica considered these girls “cool” and envied their freedom. I had my concerns. As the weeks went by, my daughter became defiant, her style of dress changed, her way of speaking... middle of paper... responsibility and social responsibility. Children need us to be role models and demonstrate the type of skills and behaviors necessary to be productive, well-adjusted adults. Some parents don't take the time or effort to raise responsible, productive adults. Some believe that the responsibility for raising children lies with daycares, schools, the Internet, grandparents, peers, courts, and any other available institution. On the other hand, some see the role of parent as an extraordinary adventure. Many parents see the value of what they do and the impact of their efforts, 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 survive..