Why is it that certian parents think that their child (or grandchild) can do no wrong? All children can be little bratts at one time or another. Even mine! I know that... I admit that.... admiting that does not make me a bad parent. It does not show a lack of trust or faith in my children. It simply means I know my children and I understand that no one is perfect including them!

I expect other parents to tell me when my children are less then angelic. They could be polite and kind when I'm around, but as soon as I turn my back, how am I to know if they are behaving if others don't tell me? I also extend the same curtosey to other parents. I am not a tattle tail mind you. I don't go and report every little incedent, but if I am asked I will tell the truth, and if an incedent involves pain or tears I will report it!

Those who don't see the dark side of their children, and believe me there is always a dark side, are not doing their children any favors! Letting selfish, mean and hatefull behavior go unchecked is like telling them it's ok to mistreat the ones they supposedly love! If we want child abuse, spousal abuse and the slauter of our children in school to stop, then we have to be able to see the darker side of our children's personalities, and show them a better way to get their point across, and get people to do the things they want them to! Threats and brute force are not the answer!

If someone tells you your child did something mean and hurtfull to another child, don't kill the messanger. Thank them for letting you know, take a deep breath, and ask your child about it. Most likely they will tell you that they didn't do anythig, that the other child did something first. You will never know the whole truth, but you can tell your child that whether they did this thing or not, it's wrong, and make sure they understand that! Tell them a better way to handle a problem, and let them know that they can come to you with anything! I don't think you can punish them unless the act was wittenessed by a reliable adult, but you can talk to them and give them alternatives. They do listen to you. They listen to more then you realize!

If we listen closely to our children, know what they are doing all the time, talk to them about the situations they get into with school mates and friends, and don't make light of it. We can do a lot of good, and build character in our children!

and on...and on... and on...

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