The best thing my dad has ever done for me was is leave me alone.
We used to have one of those smushy, bonded relationships but we gave up on that one at the first sign of trouble, which was and continues to be, a good thing.
If i had learned from his mistakes I'd be lost, he doesn't know what in his life is a mistake. If I tried to learn from example I'd be over weight, disgruntal and would call myself a devoted Catholic while not meaning it at all.
I truly believe the best thing my dad instilled in my life is : there is always a way to avoid things, whatever it may be. Whether it be ignoring the problem or putting off the solution.

Oil Paint

Maybe not the most expensive investment my father has made for me but definatley the most impactful and integral to my existance.
Needless to say, if you are asking me what a good parent is, I'd say : I don't know any.
Any kid who lies, cheats, steals, tells people they hate them, disrespects others and most importantly themself is the product of a poor parenting strategy.
On that notem every kid I know is the product of a poor parenting strategy:
-The kid who rebells the strict rules of home
-The kid who is manipulative
-The kid brimming with hatred
-The kid who had a record before they had a 12 o'clock curfew...

it all reverts back....

every kid syas I'll never do what my parents did to me to my kids...
Well I would. If you have your parents to blame for your parenting failures, at least there is someone for you to blame (which reverts back to being able to avoid anything). It's inevitable you'lll screw it up...
Oil Paints and alone time... keys to a regular old disfunctional, cynical, negative teen.
It;s the way of the world, so stop having kids.