Twelve Guiding Principles
Follow these principles to create a stable foundation for raising children with your partner:
1. Joint cooperation: You and your partner must be united in this endeavor. A consensus must be evident in front of your children at all times.
​
2. Set expectations or expect nothing: Set clear expectations for yourself and your children to minimize problems and ensure accountability.
​
3. Routine and consistency every day: Kids thrive on routine and predictability, making consistent behavior essential for a stable environment.
​
4. Just bite, no need to bark: Act swiftly and explain actions without resorting to threats, fostering accountability.
​
5. Your kid doesn’t need a friend, they need a parent: Emphasize your parental role over friendship to provide guidance and discipline.
​
6. When you cry, you get nothing: Discourage manipulation through tears by setting firm boundaries and staying consistent.
​
7. If I step on it, I throw it out: Instill responsibility and respect for belongings by enforcing consequences for carelessness.
​
8. No is bigger than yes: Prioritize agreement between partners to avoid conflicts and keep consistency in decision-making.
​
9. Watch your mouth; they hear everything: Be mindful of your language and tone, as children absorb and emulate your behavior.
​
10. Lists work and set expectations: Use lists to communicate clear expectations and track progress effectively.
​
11. Read to your kid until they read to you: Foster a love for reading by engaging with your child through books, gradually transitioning to independent reading.
​
12. Reflection allows for correction: Regularly assess your parenting approach and discuss areas for improvement with your partner to ensure ongoing growth.