THIS is how you parent.

[ripdog]

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ripdog,

Time and again I have seen friends with 2-4 children get ones with radically different personalities, even though they were raised essentially the same. Some get in trouble a lot more; some cannot pay attention; some are quiet and attentive; some naturally warm. You can only do so much as a parent, and it is not as easy as it seems.

I also believe it is better to draw hard lines early.

Matt

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I agree with everything you've said except "you can only do so much as a parent". I think that line is a cop out. As the parent of a 15 month-old boy, I watch his cousins closely. The difference between them is stark. Two of his cousins are quiet and respectful, two are obnoxious little brats. Why the difference? Some of it will be genetic, but how much? Ever watch SuperNanny? She doesn't go in and fix the kids, she fixes the parents.