Donny

I am hoping the teen years go a little better for us. I'm sure we'll have problems but I think they'll be minimized because of the way we're parenting him.

Let me give you an example: I've never once in his life raised my voice to him. And I have NEVER used the words "because I said so". And I do not spank him either.

I paid attention in the pyschology classes I took in college and am always thinking about things. One thing I truly believe is that children are people too and should be treated as such. When someone yells at me I get angry at them. But if someone has a concern and talks to me in a nice tone of voice I'm much more likely to do as they ask. That is what I do with my son. If I need to correct him I get down on my knees at his eye level and tell him why I don't think he should do X or Y. If he is a little rowdy I tell him so and ask him to calm down, even if it takes a few times. I do this calmly. And if he needs to be corrected while around a group of people I get down on my knees, give him a big hug and whisper in his ear so that he's not embarrassed. It has worked so far.

I'm hoping that treating him like a HUMAN (instead of a slave like most people treat their kids) will minimize future problems. They'll arise, and I'll change to meet the challenges.

At least that's the plan.