Children will always challenge limits. Talk about why you set
rules on movies, games, and curfews. To help with compliance,
share your expectations with the parents of their friends.
Regardless of negative feelings or opinions you may have about
your child’s school, keep your concerns to yourself or between
you and the school staff. Do one thing this week to create a
strong sense of family unity, such as creating a work of art,
holding a family meeting, or going on an outing together. Try
not to compare your children to anyone else “their age.” They do
enough of that on their own! Be brave and admit to your kids
when you are wrong—then move on. And remember to move on after
they apologize to you for something they have done. Encourage
your trusted friends and neighbors to get to know your kids. Set
boundaries that give leeway for kids to safely test their own
power and limits. Have consequences that are not so tough that
they scare or bully a child into the behavior you want to see.
Try to accept that childre