1.  Kids spell love T – I – M – E

2.  Discipline is a 4-letter word L – O – V – E

3.  Practice what you preach. They may not hear everything you say, but they see     everything you do.

4.  For every right there is an equally important responsibility.

5.  For every choice you make, there are consequences, many of which have implications for others besides yourself.

6.  Parenting is a lifelong commitment.  Our children do not stop needing us at some magical age, they just need us in different ways.  You may not always want to be needed, but you will need to be wanted.

7.  There is no such thing as independence.  We do not live in isolation.  Therefore, the emphasis should not be on getting along on your own, but on getting along with others.

8.  You should always know who your children are with, where they are, and what they are doing.  That is your job. 

9.  Spend more time listening and less time talking.  Listening does not mean approval or permission. Make it clear that they can ask you anything.  No topic should be off limits.  You need to be their primary source of information.  If you don’t know something, find out.  They’ll wait.

10. Respect is a reciprocal process.  The more you demonstrate, the more you get.

11. Surround yourself and your kids with people who are supportive and nurturing.  You can never be loved too much.

12. There is no problem too big for you and your children to handle if you stick together.  Never be afraid to ask for help.  Be sure they know how and when to ask for help.  Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

13. Make your home a place where your children want to be and want to bring their friends.  Make house rules clear, consequences related and reasonable, and enforce them consistently.

14. Get to know your children’s friends and their friends’ parents.  You need to know what your children are being exposed to.  You want to know whether or not the messages you are working hard to give them are being reinforced by the company they keep.

15. Never assume your children know you love them.  Show and tell them every day!