I think being a good parent is all about being there for your child no matter what. Supporting them in what they want out of life, even if it isn't quite what you had in mind, being open minded about their ideas and always ALWAYS listening to them, no matter how small the issue may seem. Talking to your children openly about what ever topic may come up and explaining things properly to them no matter how embarrising.

This seems like such a long list of things, I've found being honest, open and understanding with my daughter has us in a very close relationship, she will tell me all about her day, things that I would never have even dreamt of telling my mom. She'll ask for advice when she needs to about every and anything. We are just as much friends as we are mother and daughter.