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How to Parent With Both Strength and Flexibility

A big part of parenting is setting rules, expectations, and boundaries—and then enforcing them. Every parent learns at some point that if we’re not consistent with our rules, they pick up on that real quick, and they start to test the strength of our resolve at any given turn. Let them skip brushing their teeth just this once and they’ll plead every night for the next month to skip the chore.