I watched my older siblings raise their children and decided I was not going to do it their way.

I don’t have a perfect child but at least I can take him anywhere and hes well mannered and respectful.

Both, When I was a child I swore I would be different then my parents, how ever, after seeing with my own eyes how bad society has become I fell right back into the company line.

I now pretty much do the same as my own parents with my individual twists.

When I went to college I decided as a result of the pscychology and education classes that my parents were too strict–especially in that they *******.

However, after I had my own–I decided they were not so stupid and old fashioned as I thought. And so a lot of things I do (and yes–including spanking) are the same as them.

Of course, I have had my own experiences with my own children and this has given me different views on some things than my parents had.

I have also read parenting books. But I do this very critically–as I do with any type of opinion I read. I have gathered a few good ideas there–but it is far from a dominant influence.

Iasked advice from other people and used some skills my parents did with me. It all depends on the situation.

I was single and 16 on my own, I knew my parents did a good job, but I wanted and do have a more open relationship with my kids, we talk about everything and I always let them know that I am here and they can tell me anything, if they don’t feel like talking sometimes I bring it up first and if they don’t answer i let it be, but I think just having them know that I know what kids go through and do gives them a sense of being more open with me. My kids can talk to me about anything and I will not judge them or put them down.

i was adopted so i did everything they didn’t do like show me love on daily basis and even though me and my husband are divorced he’s still a constant in their lives no child should ever feel abandoned so yeah i was influenced by my parents

When I was growing up, kids were seen & not heard, & you speak when spoken to. With my kids I made sure that they were allowed to have an opinion, right or wrong, they are entitled to it. I was very open and honest with my kids about everything, and I answered all thier questions honestly (age appropriate). I explained my reasons for punishments or for saying no to something, I followed through with punishments too, that’s very important. We had fun, and lots of hugs too. Love em lots!

Late nights at Kmart-!!watching how other parents screamed and bribed their unruly offspring.LOL ..decided to read and read…hang out with people who DID handle kids well and listen to how they talked with their kids. When I was looking for daycare there happened to be a Montessori school near by and I put mine there. The teachers were so mellow and sweet I spent lots of time hanging around and listening. If I had just done what I was raised with..my kids would have run away, I’m sure!

my husband and I had terrible parents and we didnt want to put our kids thru anything like what we had to go thru…we make sure our kids know they are loved and cared for not by doing things but by showing them with affection and love… we always tell our kids how much we appreciate them and complement them a lot…we also make sure we discipline them not punish them there’s a difference…we explain to them why they are in trouble why they are grounded etc…we dont tell them no without giving a reason…then they know their boundaries….we never talk down to them nor do we yell at them well sometimes LOL…but we make sure we remain calm and have self control…we are the models for them and have to show them what a prosperous well adjusted adult is supposed to be….we pray with our kids and hold bible studies as well…we have 8 kids ages 21- 18 months and all of them are great kids and we are so proud of all them…my life would never be complete without one of our beautiful children….we are so blessed to have them in our lives…

I read books about how to be a good parent. My parents were not good parents. My children are good kids and love me.