Who doesn't want to be the best possible parent he or she can be? We want to implement structure without stifling their decision making. We want to be an excellent example of an adult to our children while at the same time wanting them to think we are halfway “cool.” How in the world do we go about having all of these attributes at once?

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#1. Never do the "that's it because I'm saying so" attitude with your kids. Rather, communicate.

Never say, "do this because I said so!" It's so important to feed an understanding with a concrete reason as to why should they omit a specific thing. With a doctrinal answer from you, they can understand that they shouldn't repeat that mistake.

It is also important to let your child argue their point as to why they should be able to do something. This way, a collaborative decision can be made that will make your child feel more involved in decision-making. It's also important not to make an excuse, "when you're older, you will understand." Give them real reasons!

Never compare your child to the way you were growing up. Different times make different people, and your child is not you. Comparing them to how you were may make your child feel limited as to what they can do.

#2. Be a role model. Kids will do more of what you do than what you say.

Kids act and react to what their parents tell and do. So, when you're around your child, carefully speak only what you would like them to speak and react to how you would like them to react. Your child wants you to look up to, and he or she knows what's fitting and what's not. Simple! If you act as a responsible role model for your children, they will be proud of that.

#3. Focus on yourself from time to time.

When you are happy, it is likely to rub off on your children. Children are already emotional enough. They want someone stable and positive who can responsibly react to their emotional break downs.

Get enough sleep, eat right - the effects will show in the temperament you have with your kids.

#4. Children can handle problems. They're smarter than you think.

As a parent, you do not always have to be involved in your children's problems. They are their people, and they need to learn decision making on their own in certain situations. This is how they will develop socially.

If they do come to you for help, for instance, on their math homework, talk them through the problem step by step instead of just giving them an answer. An in-house academic set-up including writing boards, project or craft tables, and a cool study room will surely give them a friendly environment to discuss the academics with you and solve problems on their own, and they will appreciate your help and advice.

This will help them learn how to solve problems on their own, and they will appreciate your help and advice.