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Every successful marriage has a number of factors in common. When it comes to raising children, there is one primary factor - the United Parental Front. While you may worry that setting strict rules of conduct in your family may distance you from your children, studies prove you are worrying needlessly.

As much as we may not want to admit it; there truly is a little devil in all children. It does not matter how cute we think they may be at the time they are acting up because a child's unacceptable behavior can get out of hand very quickly when it is ignored and not addressed immediately.

Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten after we are dressed and have made our beds.

To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important aspect of wise parenting. Reasonable expectations leave room for a child to be a child but understand they are on the road to learning to be a mature adult.

How many times do I have to tell you to clean your room? Why should a child keep his room neat? Many children say they don’t care whether it is neat or dirty, so why should it matter to anyone else?

Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind at the same time. They set boundaries and work with their children to help them understand that they will follow through with appropriate action if inappropriate behavior continues. Don’t think when I say firmness that I really mean strictness. Strictness deals with the child; firmness is more an extension of our resolve toward our decisions.

Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do some children move as if in slow motion? Is this normal or are they just trying to irritate you? You may be surprised to learn that a great many factors come into play when a child appears to be lazy; stage of growth, hormones, hunger, motivation, lack of clear directions and maybe even sleep deprivation.

Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for Ready to Learn for many years, I have had the unique opportunity to work with Head Start families, Child Care Providers, and parents as well as schools, organizations, and teachers all over the world just like you.