by Scott Steehn

Created on: May 01, 2009   Last Updated: May 02, 2009

There's no "I" in "team." However, there sure is in an "I" in, "crying," "time-out," "riot," and "prison." Those are just some of the things you fear for your child if you screw up as a parent and don't instill a sense of right and wrong or don't teach the lesson of cause and effect from an early age. Are those rational fears? For most parents, some are, but most probably are not. In spite of the fact that the United States incarcerates more people than any other nation, the odds of your precious little bundle of joy landing in the big house are still pretty slim. So, relax and take a deep breath. (Good advice for all parents, but first-timers especially)

One of the best tools in your parent bag is teamwork. Teamwork in parenting really encompasses two different areas. First is the "United Front" and second is the sharing the duties and responsibilities equally. Two very important things and two different skill sets are needed to be successful.

The United Front is crucial when raising children. It also becomes more important the more children you have and the older they become. Why? Because, besides observing and recording your behavior, the little buggers will actually talk to each other and compare notes. And here's something else to keep in mind: they remember everything! What has long since faded from your memory is somehow etched permanently in their brains and can be recalled and used against you if necessary at a moment's notice.

For example, I have four children, a sixteen-year-old, a fourteen-year-old, and twelve-year-old twins. About five years ago, a driver in front of me started, then stopped when the light turned green. The roads were a little wet and, bottom line; I tapped her rear bumper with my van. We both got out, checked our vehicles and neither of us could literally see a mark from our dust-up. We got back in our respective automobiles and went on our merry way. To this day, my kids refer to that incident as the time "we all got in a big car wreck."

As with most parents, my wife and I are extremely proud of our kids. They all have many various awards and achievements both academically and athletically. We feel, so far anyway, that we have raised pretty good humans. Many times we will be asked by friends, other parents, or sometimes perfect strangers who have observed our kids' behavior and been impressed, "What is your secret?" And, as most parents will tell you, there is no secret.

But if I had to pick one thing that had to be present for everything

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>