From Dr. Spock to Dr. Seuss, somehow kids got to be more of a handful rather than less. Why? You tell us, and we will glean the pearls which just might work for at least some of you in this day & time. Hint. Kids don't want to be told how it was when you were a kid...not until they are grown & out of the nest!

I forget which pediatrician, when asked about his pet theories on raising kids, replied that he used to have 7 theories and no kids, but now he had 7 kids and no theories. We had seven kids of our own, also took in a niece or nephew, etc. now & then when our kids were still at home. There were some things we did that worked rather well, and others, frankly, that didn't. My husband has the saying that, "All parents start out as amateurs, but by the time they know a thing or two, they are grandparents and nobody wants to hear what they have to say."

For starters, we say:

• Praise your kids with words when they are good.
  
• If you tell a kid they are bad, they will live up to your expectations.
  
• Words are powerful. Be careful what you say and how you say it.
  
• Respect breeds respect & vice versa.
  
• Actions speak even louder than those powerful words. What are you teaching?
  
• Love them & let them know it! Requires hugs, gifts bought with money won't do the job.


• Often, difficult children feel insecure. Don't deny their feelings...listen, try to understand, then reassure them as best you can.


• Children with low self-esteem may have been abused in some way...usually by a family member or friend (they will have been threated not to tell!) Learn all you can about child abuse before even thinking, "Not in my family."

What do you have to say? (e-mail reply)