Well for startes I am definitely the more stricter one. However first and foremost me and dh never ever believed in any form of corporal punishment of any kind, okay with that said we basically are pretty easy with most things, we encourgage our children to do the best and to make the right choices in life. We are a very close tight knit family and that means so much. As far as drinking or smoking ciggys and and illegial drugs we are very very strict with that especially me now of course do not get me wrong they all tried and all decided it was not for them which makes us very happy. As far as dating issues 16 was the age and now I have all three. Or course with that came alot of responsibities and we all had those talks and it is not always easy but we cannot be with them 24/7 and they must realize if you are going to do adults things, be very very careful because something may happen and it will effect you for the rest of your life. As far as clothes again as always their choice , their style they have to wear those clothes not us. As far as tattoo's piercing again their bodies at 16, you have to live with it not us. Finally the one thing we truly always expect is for our children to be respectful of others and adults and just in general be nice. Finally we have always installed in our kids to know that mommy and daddy love you to pieces and tell you we love each other each day and to be there for them 100 percent because they will not always be perfect.. So kindly share.. Peace Catherine

This should have almost been in question format!

CORP. PUNISHMENTt? Not on your life!

INDIVIDUALISM/DOING THEIR BEST? Of course! No one would expect less, would they?

DRINKING/SMOKING/DRUGS? OF COURSE NOT! But we were open-minded enough to discuss our histories with the above forementioned and our DD was willing to talk about who was doing what, when and where at school or after school. Will see what our DS says when he's older.

DATING: 16. Period. And I expect to meet whoever is picking up my children, at the front door. And he/she better be respectful.

CLOTHES: Their choice, unless it was really degrading or revealing. (So far, so good...my 19yoDD still hates miniskirts!)

TATTOOS: 18 or older.

PIERCINGS: I took my DD to have her cartilage pierced when she was 16. And I had mine done at the same time. When she was 18, whatever she did was her choice. She had her nose pierced and let it close after a month. Again, we'll see what DS has in store for us, but he's very conservative so far.

RESPECT: I've always taught them it goes both ways.

LOVE: When it comes to parent/child relationships, it's unconditional. Period.

Our parenting style is not exactly conventional, then again, both of our kids are special needs, so you have to do things a little differently.

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Forgiveness is love in its most noble form. -Anonymous

CORP. PUNISHMENT? Nope

INDIVIDUALISM/DOING THEIR BEST? Yes however if I can tell they are slacking and claim they are doing their best then I call them out on it.

DRINKING/SMOKING/DRUGS? Smoking is fine with me because I chose my battles carefully. They could be doing worse.

DATING: 16.

CLOTHES: Their choiceto a point. My 9 year old DD loves boys clothes... I am starting to draw the line over certain.

TATTOOS: 18 or older.

PIERCINGS: 16 and nothing on their face as long as they are in my house.

RESPECT: You get what you give...

LOVE: Always....

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Be careful what you wish for.....

CORP. PUNISHMENTt? nope

INDIVIDUALISM/DOING THEIR BEST? defintley, i let my kids be themseleves and encourage them and praise them for whatever they bring home on their report card.

DRINKING/SMOKING/DRUGS? Drugs is a huge no, my kids so far thinking smoking is gross, as far as drinking, i know it happens,my kids dont drink but both of my kids know and their friends know that if they ever get out and get drunk or anything they just pick up the phone and call me and i will come get them and bring them home, i would rather an alive child then a dead one b/c they were afriad to call mom and tell me that they were under the influence.

DATING: my daughter started dating at 14, and my son is 13 but hasnt dated yet, he sure does notice girls though...lol. luckily he is too shy to ask one out. we have had a wild ride with my daughter dating, i cant imainge two dating at the same time right now.

CLOTHES: their choice. luckily my kids havent gone wild in what they wear. I really think alot of times if you are more laid back with your kids they dont cross the line b/c its no fun to try to cross the line if you know your mom is fine with it...lol.

TATTOOS: my daughter will be 16 in april and she wants one this summer. I will probably let her depending what she wants and where.

PIERCINGS: my daughter wants a nose ring, as soon as school lets out, the school doesnt let you wear nose rings.

RESPECT: I've always taught them it goes both ways.

LOVE: When it comes to parent/child relationships, it's unconditional. Period.

steph

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