New rule: when posting your two pieces of advice, also post how many children you've raised. Not aimed at anyone in particular.

Stupid rule

How many movies did Roger Ebert make ?

One of the first thing someone says when I say my opinion is worthless because I'm not a parent is they say "That doesn't mean you can't have a correct opinion on the matter."

Same with relationships and everything else... and I mean... if the theory is right then the theory is right. Regardless of if it is correctly applied. I lack experience (entirely) so I am not going to give any nuanced opinion based on hard experience... but I am right in that kids do learn by example and if you treat yourself well that will definitely rub off on your kids. After all, I've never been a parent, but I've been a kid and I usually paid a lot more attention to what my parents did than what they said. Even when I tried to do what they said. And a lot of my best and worst habits come from them. It's conditioning.

Don't have to be a Christian to know the Catholics aren't doing it right.

Or the Mormons, for that matter . . .

Yeah. Those missionaries need to start being doggystyles.

(October 14, 2017 at 1:57 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: "Because I said so" is 100% OK by Rosemond; I've been reading his column for years, I understand his reasoning and concur.

The folks that think "Because I said so" somehow damages the little shits are completely wrong.

Naw, I want my kid to learn to question authority and, yes, that includes me. (ok, up to a certain point - bedtime doesn't get questioned lol)
That doesn't mean I'm not in charge; I'm still the captain of this ship. But if she wants to ask "why", then by all means, she should ask "why" and I'll answer in an age-appropriate manner.

-Teresa

(October 14, 2017 at 9:05 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: How many movies did Roger Ebert make ?

How many books did he read about it?

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(October 14, 2017 at 9:10 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: Don't have to be a Christian to know the Catholics aren't doing it right.

Or the Mormons, for that matter . . .

I know, right? You don't have to be a farmer to know how to best grow corn either.

1: start learning not to blink when they barely graduate to a biped.

2. They are smarter than they look.

Ok I REALLY like the duct tape answer... that is so very true and is great advice!! Kids are dicks sometimes! But from my heart here are my two pieces of advice.

1. Love unconditionally; yourself, your spouse, your parents, your friends, it goes without saying love your kids. But don't forget about yourself and your relationships. YOU are important. They watch your every move and listen to every word; have a house full of love more than anything else.

2. Pick your battles wisely; some things are truly worth fighting for. Discipline can be very hard. Forgive and forget and don't hold grudges. That includes yourself, you'll make mistakes, LOTS of mistakes. Forgive yourself and remember you are only human. Live with love and that's what your kids will know.