Parents teach by instruction and by example, although many of the lessons they offer are second nature. When you wipe your child's nose when it's runny, he learns both that you love him and how to take care of himself. The reward is that in a few years you will have a child who knows how to behave, is kind to you and others, and tries his best. Meanwhile, you will have developed a relationship in which your child knows he can rely on you and come to you for more assistance.