It used to strike me as odd - but really, it makes perfect sense.

If you are a regular flier, or have flown recently, you'll know what I mean. The 'plane is taxiing along for take off and the cabin crew are going through the pre-flight safety routine.

The odd bit I'm referring to is when they tell you what to do with the oxygen masks in the event of the cabin losing pressure. Now, all decent parents would feel the urge to see to their children first. It's a natural instinct.

After all, you regularly hear of adults throwing themselves down to push a child out of the way of an oncoming truck, with no heed for their own safety.

So what advice are parents given?

See to your own oxygen mask first. In other words, see to your own safety and then look after the kids.

Yes, it used to strike me as odd - but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

Your kids need you to look after them. And you're no use to anyone if, whilst trying to assist them, you're struggling to breathe and start to lose consciousness.

The common sense rule is: see to yourself first - that way you'll be in a better position to help others. And that way you all stand a better chance of survival.

And so it is with parenting skills.

You want to have the best parenting skills for your family. And while you're at it, you want to overcome all your family problems and challenges.

Most parents mean well. They want the best. But often they overlook the obvious:

You must first of all look to yourself.

Probably the best parenting skills you can develop are high self-esteem and confidence.

Yes, for you, yourself, not your family.

Their development and confidence will follow on naturally from yours.

Because with high self-esteem and confidence you'll be relaxed, self-assured, assertive, and you'll cope in a crisis.

And all these qualities will be like music to your family's ears! A Mom and Dad who are relaxed, confident and caring in their parenting activities will produce relaxed, confident and caring children.

But today there is a wave of anxiety, fear and panic, not just among parents, but in society in general.

Ask yourself just how confident you are in tackling your parenting projects.

Why not boost your parenting skills by boosting yourself first and foremost? Whether you're a Mom or a Dad, or even if you want to do this together as a couple, there's a wealth of resources available.

A simple internet search will turn up an endless stream of parenting resources.

The more effective your parenting skills, the more balanced and productive our citizens!

And you know what?

Your kids will love you for it!

Happy parenting . . .

Why do some parents and children succeed, while others fail? Frank McGinty is an internationally published author and teacher. If you want to develop your parenting skills and encourage your kids to be all they can be, visit his web pages, http://www.frank-mcginty.com/peace-formula.html AND http://www.frank-mcginty.com/for-parents.html