20 to 50, 8 days and counting #13 of what I have learned.

Thank you Lord for that off shore breeze last night, cooling things down much better.

Now help me nurse my stomach that feels a bit queezy, to much cold fruit the last few days I think!

Now for 20 to 50 post, 8 days to go till I am old! er! LOL

# 13......Be a parent to your children before being their friend.

For part of my parenting life I was a single parent and I had to counter balance the

crap that my exidiot would tell or expose our son too when he had him for visitation.

I always made it so my son could talk to me about anything, anything!!

And he still can.

This made it so he would often come home from school or work and sit for a snack etc. and talk to me for 1/2 hour or so before he did his thing or homework etc.

And I got this kid through the tough teen years without him doing drugs, drinking, getting someone pregnant and he turned out to be a really great guy for someone to marry.

It drives me crazy these parents that are trying to dress like or act like their teen to be their

best "friend". Or even worse, party with them like that is going to help.

You can be friendly with your child but you have to parent them first, set their guide lines for life, teach them the important morals , values etc. Give them boundaries and help them face the consequences when they make mistakes.

I am happy to say, even as an adult, although he probably does not tell me every detail of his life

now that he still will call me and talk.

We can discuss things and I am there for him and he knows it!

The best thing I ever did, wish I had done it more than once, was becoming a parent!