I found a list of things I once jotted down for someone who asked for my advice on mothering.  Here they are in no particular order:

Be a cheerleader, not a servant.

Teach children to function independently.

“Try another way.”

“How can you fix that?”

“Why do you think that happened?”

“What could you have done differently?”

“Let’s figure that out.”

“You’re really good at that.”

“How did that make you feel?”

“How can you find out more about that?”

“Which is healthier?  Why?”

Use a soft voice.

Be free with back rubs and warm embraces.

Technology is important.  Keep up with it.

Read.  Read.  Read.

“What book shall we read next?”

Be the best possible example you can be.  Always.

I’m putting these suggestions out there for my kids to see someday when they have their own kids.  They worked well for us.  My kids are pretty amazing people.  I hope theirs will be the same someday.