On Parenting

I'm a professional parent. I get paid in hugs and kisses and tears and the occasional tantrum. Having been the child too, I've learned a few "truths." Right or wrong, these are my views on parenting:

Be consistent.
Be honest.
Teach your child that what you say is what you mean. If your child cannot put faith in your words and actions, how will they be able to do so with anyone else?
Remember to give praise. It's so easy to reprimand...we sometimes forget that praise is just as important.
Be your child's greatest fan. Let them know you love them unconditionally even if you may not agree with the choices they make in life.
Teach your child to be their own individuals. It's okay to beat to a different drum. It's okay to think for yourself.
Teach your child to be self-reliant. Having friends and family to rely on is wonderful, but knowing you have the inner strength to carry you through adversity is a powerful thing.
Television is not a good babysitter.
Play. Play. Play.
Don't compare your child. Not even to another sibling. Remember...individuals! They are who they are and should not suffer or be made to feel any less because they are not a carbon copy.
Don't put undue pressures on your child. "Set a good example for your sister/brother since you are the oldest." BAH! PTOOEY!! That is a load of crap. Your child should behave simply because that's what they should be doing. NOT because they must set an example. If anyone should set any example, it should be YOU!
All children are good. They have the potential to be well-behaved. If they aren't, then...sorry to say...you need to take a look at what you might be doing wrong. Yes...YOU!
All children will screw up. It's called learning. If they don't, they never figure out what is right. Expect it to happen. Unfortunately, we are not perfect. It is not a sin. It's a learning experience. Use the opportunity to teach your child.
Let silly-ness be. Silly is good. Not all the time. Yes, there is a time and a place. Make sure to make the time.
Hugs and kisses are good. Give often.
Love, always.