There’s a reason that I like to share such personal anecdotes: I want my fellow parents to know that you're not alone. I want to encourage you to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s incredibly difficult.
And that's why I'm requesting that you share your stories with me. I’m working on a follow-up to my 2005 book, Home Invasion, and I’d like to use some of your best tips -- and even your frustrations -- to illustrate what real parents have done to solve some of the problems that many of us face these days. I’d also like to include them in a future column or two. (Any stories chosen for publication will be identified by author's first name only.)
Your real-life challenges and victories can serve as real encouragement to others. If you have any that relate to the following topics, please send them my way. Both short and long e-mails are welcome and may be edited for clarity. For those of you who responded to an earlier request, a special thanks. It's wonderful to see just how much my readers have in common.
Specific topics I'm interested in hearing about from you include:
How do you teach your child that he has intrinsic value in God's eyes?
When do you know to uphold your desires for your children -- and when to let them have their way?
What problems do you have fighting materialism and unscrupulous marketing?
How do you uphold standards without turning your home into a "no zone"?
When are the best times -- and what are the best ways -- to have meaningful discussions with your child?
How do you model true friendship for your kids through interaction with your own friends?
How do you teach your kids the value of money?
Feel free to send me your general thoughts on the techniques you've found helpful as you work to protect your kids -- and why. And don't be afraid to share the problems that you’re still striving to overcome. E-mail your stories to me at rebecca.hagelin@hotmail.com.
Even the best parents can use a little help now and then. So let’s put our heads together and share what works. Maybe, by spreading the best advice out there, we can make our toxic culture a little less poisonous -- and our world a little bit brighter.