Dear Dr. Buckingham, I desperately need some advice. My 14-year-old son is testing me badly by pushing all kinds of boundaries. We argue over whom he should hang around, where he should go and how he should dress. I punish him on a regular basis and tell him that he will comply with my rules as long as he is under my roof. I am responsible for him, and I want to make sure that … [Read more...]
We’re Parents Who Grew Up Without Good Parent Examples; What Do We Do?
Dear Dr. Buckingham, My wife and I have one young child and a teen, and we are concerned about our parenting skills. We both grew up in single-parent households and did not have the best upbringings. We want to give our children the best, but we are worried that we cannot give what we never had. What tips do you have for two well-intended parents? Thanks in … [Read more...]
Better Safe than Sorry: 4 Sleepover Rules Every Parent Should Follow Before Sending Your Kids Off
I have been called the most over-protective parent in the universe. I have to be honest and confess that at times that statement is 110% accurate. Yes, I do take my job as a parent very seriously, as I recognize the enormous responsibilities that come along with raising children. My youngest son recently became a full-fledged card carrying teenager. For his 13th birthday … [Read more...]