Being a mother of two pretty incredible, tween-agers I am often sought out for parenting advice by friends with younger children. They come to me hoping I will share my secrets of raising two well-behaved, well-rounded children. Starting the exciting yet unnerving journey of motherhood, they almost marvel at the relationship I have built with both my daughter and son. With questions becoming more frequent, thoughts of how this mutual, unconditional relationship came to be born filled my mind.

For this reason, one beautiful, sunny day I was inspired to jot my thoughts and suggestions on a sheet of paper. Before I knew it I had created a poetic, inspirational and love-filled "Ten Tips For Great Kids" list.

"MY TEN TIPS FOR GREAT KIDS"

1. Find out what it means to me . . . R E S P E C T
If you teach your child RESPECT at the earliest age possible
Respect of self
Respect of others
Respect of things
You will lay a SOLID FOUNDATION and everything else will fall into place.

2. Please and thank you
If you instill WORDS OF APPRECIATION as soon as they begin speaking and constantly remind your child every time they go unspoken, you will have a child who
Has good manners
Is courteous
Shows appreciation
Your child will grow up believing this is a NORMAL FUNCTION OF LIFE.

3. Not just how was your day
If you include DETAILED QUESTIONS during conversations from the moment your child begins to talk, like
What was the favorite thing you learned today?
What did you play at recess?
Who did you play with?
Your child will grow up knowing this is NORMAL CONVERSATION and will not think you're prying. As your child gets older the questions get more intense. NEVER be afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to talk about anything.

4. Young eyes can open eyes
If you see things through your CHILD'S EYES your child can actually become your teacher.
Listen to what they are saying
Look at what they are pointing to
Watch their favorite TV show with them
Your child will grow up WANTING TO SHARE things with you and along the way you will learn a lot too.

5. Sing, dance and get a little goofy
If you LET YOUR HAIR DOWN and
Tell some jokes
Make up songs
Dance around the room
The laughter will begin. It's not only contagious but it feels great too. Your child will have fun and will WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH YOU.

6. The Simpson's are alright to watch sometimes
If you enjoy a primetime show OCCASIONALLY ALLOW your child to watch with

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