Today's parenting is complicated by the fact that we live in such a immersive technological environment. Children are bombarded by images and examples from so many directions no matter how hard we, as parents, try to limit that exposure. They learn from their friends, the television and even some of the books they read. It's often difficult to impart what you feel to be important values when sometimes it feels like society is working against you.

A few things I have found (by my training as a parent educator AND my mistakes and successes as a parent!) are very helpful in this battle are:

1. Knowing exactly what your own values are and explaining to your children why you feel honesty, for example, is important

2. Leading by example- don't tell them it's not okay to swear and then vent your frustration in nasty words

3. Encourage friendships (your own and your children's) with families who share your view on the world

4. Spend time with your kids even when they're driving you nuts. Just being there is a good influence.

5. Have clear rules and clear and logical consequences.

Clear rules and logical consequence ... as good as that sounds I think the logic part might be lost on some kids

As a parent, the hardest thing to do is to be the perfect role models to the children. And you always have to be impartial if you have more than one child.

Leading by example is so true. I try to remember this when raising our two sons. Also having friends with like minded parents is great. It is actually finding those parents and friends that is hard.
I have a seven year old who has to stay in front of our house when he is outside. He can have friends over but alot of his friends are allowed to run the streets and the problem I am seeing now is he wants to go to there house and play. But I am uncomfortable with that because if this child can be in my backyard for four hours at a time and noone ever comes to see where he is at then I am not sure what he will be allowed to do at that particular childs house.

Originally Posted by tater03

Leading by example is so true. I try to remember this when raising our two sons. Also having friends with like minded parents is great. It is actually finding those parents and friends that is hard. I have a seven year old who has to stay in front of our house when he is outside. He can have friends over but alot of his friends are allowed to run the streets and the problem I am seeing now is he wants to go to there house and play. But I am uncomfortable with that because if this child can be in my backyard for four hours at a time and noone ever comes to see where he is at then I am not sure what he will be allowed to do at that particular childs house.

tator03, I'm in a similar situation. I let my 8-year old play in the yard, and lately he has been able to bike around the block (I can see the whole way from the back window). I've had calls at 10:00pm from the parents across the street looking for their 5-year old, and not particularly concerned when she wasn't at my house. How can you not know where your teeny little girl is, let alone at that late at night?

very good post..one thing..i would add will be..whatever spying or sneaking around you do to ure kids..

dont ever lose their trust..its very difficult to regain it..once its lost..

I'm not sure if watching an 8 year old is considered spying. I would say that people should forget about all the conspiracy theories, privacy bills and just look after their children in the best way they can.

Originally Posted by Shelly

I'm not sure if watching an 8 year old is considered spying.

Rather I would consider it responsible and reasonable parenting (to know where your kid is and whether he's safe).

Originally Posted by Shelly

I'm not sure if watching an 8 year old is considered spying. I would say that people should forget about all the conspiracy theories, privacy bills and just look after their children in the best way they can.

I completely agree with this. These are not your best friends, etc they are your children! Treat them as such.

You cannot limit your children from doing this and that , if you force them then they will do it when you are out. You have create a role model whom they can look upto for real values