Many new parents are terrified of the idea of raising their first child. Rabbi Shmuley says he was quite nervous when his wife was pregnant with their firstborn. Soon, however, he says most parents realize preparation and training have very little to do with being a good parent. "Being a good parent is not about inner preparation but external action," Rabbi Shmuley says. "Ninety percent of what we'll be as parents comes down to what we do after we become parent." Rabbi Shmuley shares common qualities of good parents and advice to those worried about whether they'll be a successful parent.

Qualities of Good Parents:

• Selflessness
• Sacrifice
• Values
• Discipline
• Being loving
• Patience
• Multitasking
• Managing frustration
• Love of innocence

Today's Shmuleyism
"The principal preparation for being a parent comes from the selflessness, patience and discipline we acquire before we become parents. The parental instinct is innate. We all can be, and deserve to be, parents. But whether or not we will succeed as parents will be determined by our capacity to prioritize our children once they are born."