• Kids

    Crime and Punishment: The Age-old Parenting Dilemma

    We’re facing the age-old parenting dilemma – how do you effectively punish your children? How do you strike that balance between teaching them boundaries, respect and the difference between right and wrong, but at the same time, not make your home a no-fun zone where you are the dictator?  Theoretically, we know what we’re supposed to do.  You’ve got to be firm and consistent.  Be loving and nurturing.  We’ve been taught to count bad behavior – we’ve read 123 Magic – we’ve actually got the book and the DVD.  But philosophical guidance does you no good when you are toe-to-toe with a three-year-old, and you are unwilling to let him…

  • Kids

    Why I No Longer Speak in Absolutes

    I think I was a much better parent before I had kids.  Back then, my kids would never talk back and they would always do as they were told.  I would never lose my temper and I would always stand my ground.  I had the whole thing figured out.  I saw the parents with screaming kids and thought there is no way any child of mine will ever act like that! (As if I would have a magic look that would stop a hysterical 2-year-old in his tracks!) Boy was I wrong about it all.  Turns out I have gone back on most everything I said I would never do.…