Some parents rush to serve every squeak and squawk from their kids. "I cant let my child feel pain!" said one dad. Parents, if you are giving way too much, find out why your parenting strategy may be one of the worst strategies ever. I remember counseling with a teenager and her mom. The young girl sassed and criticized her principal, her teachers, and her family. She yelled if any of them said:

"Do your chores."
"Do your homework."
"You cant "hang out" with your friends."

Her mother revealed how her kid got so sassy:

"Ive tried to please Suzy (not her real title ) ever since she was a baby." "Ive given her everything she ever wanted." "Maybe I shouldnt have done so much for her."

Bingo! Her mom hit the nail on the head. Its too bad she didnt realize it when her daughter was much younger. Now she had a tyrant on her hands.

I believe many parents understand the right thing to do but cant quite bring themselves to be firm. Part of them believes if they do not ruffle any feathers their children will be wonderful and happy. The other part knows from their kids selfish behavior that it isnt working.

If you want to raise a self-centered kid who will grow up to be a self-centered adult just:

Give your child everything
Expect nothing
Accept disrespect
Let your child tell you what to do
Forget you are the parent

Being firm takes backbone. Parents with backbone know that life isnt always easy. They prepare their children for life. They are both kind and firm because they:

Think before they speak
Say "No" and mean it
Act consistent and follow through

If youve been too kind and not firm, you can change. Expect your child to do everything possible to get you to be a doormat again. You will need to suck in your breath and put up with even more hollering and disrespect. Be consistent and do not get caught up in your childs tantrums. Its the best way to change your worst parenting strategy ever into one that builds character.