We have parents that we call "Hovering" parents. Although their intentions are good the end point is that their children are addicted to external rewards.
It is a very tricky balance between getting your kids to do well and allowing them to make their mistakes so that they can learn.
I remember a class that I had which was out of control. After instituting a behaviour modification system the students' behaviour was markedly improved. However, one day I was absent and so was their improved behaviour. I made me start to wonder, "Why are they being good for me?"
All too often parents find out the hard way that their control is an illusion. Once the kids start getting older they start to rebel. Some quietly and some not so quietly.
In my family, the biggest thing that I can attribute to my children's good behaviour and attitude is that we eat supper together every night. No TV on or reading at the supper table. Our tradition is to go around the table and ask what their favorite part of the day was.
The short of it is, parents need to be present for their children and pay attention to what is important to them. More often than not children will do the right thing simply because it's the right thing and not because their Mom wants them to. They already want to please their parents, there is no need to add to that in any way than with love and patients.

Richard John McLaughlin