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- February '07
- January '07
Parenting
How can I keep from always being the “bad cop” with my kids?
Most hellions have at some point heard the same words from their mothers: “Just wait until your father gets home!”
This threat not only reinforces the male stereotype of the father as “the enforcer” but also breaks a cardinal rule of parenting:
Accept equal responsibility for the disciplining of your kids. Take these steps to correct your family’s penal system: (1) Discuss gender-specific parenting stereotypes with your wife. (2) Agree on what values are important and which behaviors you want to cultivate in your children. (3) Always present a united front. With luck, your kids won’t use the daddy threat on their own kids.
Mario Alonso, PhD, is a psychologist and executive coach. Can Mario help you? Submit questions to headcoach@rodale.com.
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Write to bestadvice@rodale.com
