Good parenting is the key to improving the social skills of children, Government Senate Leader Kim Wilson said yesterday as she urged parents to focus on bringing the next generation up properly.Senator Wilson told the Upper House parents need to lead by example rather than just leaving the development of youngsters to their classroom teachers.“We need to respect each other and we have to show children how to respect,” Sen Wilson said during the Motion to Adjourn.She said all parents disagree at times, but the vital thing is how they handle their disagreement.“You can disagree without being disagreeable. You can deal with it in a manner that is appropriate behaviour,” she said.“It’s important for parents to show a good example to our children. Parents are the most critical teachers of our children.”She said she sometimes “loses it” as a parent, but that by apologising afterwards she shows her children how it’s important to acknowledge your mistakes and move on.“Parents’ role is crucial. We need to do all we can to raise this next generation to be kind and respectful. The best way we can do that is by doing it ourselves,” she said.