I'd like to remind some folks here about the original intention of this thread being: "This thread is for the discussion of parenting; to pool together the collective knowledge and experience of members who are already parents and perhaps assist those of us who are aspiring to become parents in the future." - let's try to keep things on topic.

Also, as I've already stated before, I'm not a parent nor am I any kind of expert on parenting. I'm not trying to present myself as anything of the sort. In fact, I made this thread so that I could learn more about parenting from members here who are already parents. Now of course I have several ideas and theories (re: dreams) about parenting... but these are just my personal opinions - I am not trying to present myself as some kind of expert on the matter.

I do have some expertise and experience when it comes to the behaviour management of adolescents because it's part of my job. It's something that I studied at a post-graduate level and continue to study in my line of work. I also use these theories in practice. Having said that, I fully understand that while there are some similarities between teaching and parenting (parents are a child's first teachers and teachers sometimes act as surrogate parents), there are also many differences too. Please don't think that I'm trying to naively suggest that everything that works in teaching must work in parenting and vice versa - I know that this isn't true. I think that there are some things that are the same, but there are also numerous things which are not. So I'd like to point out that I'm not here to 'preach' parenting to anyone - I'm actually here to learn from those of you who are already parents.

Time will tell me how much of my current personal theories/ideas about parenting will prove to be applicable or not in the future. I'm more than willing to change and adapt my outlook on parenting as experience teaches me. For example, when I was a university student I had several theories and ideas about teaching. Some of which I now agree with, but others (including one which my post-graduate paper* was based upon!) I now disagree with.

As others have said, different things work for different parents and children. As I said before, what matters is the results - if you think that your parenting practice works, then keep at it. It's utterly useless for me or anyone else to prescribe a course of action if it doesn't work for you! And most parents are doing the best they can and have only the best of intentions in their hearts.

So let's now get back on topic and continue discussing parenting. I like to hear people's different views etc. of parenting.

--------------------
*This paper garnered a high distinction and attracted the attention of the university's school of education to the point that they offered me a position to write an Honours thesis. My professor was very impressed with my writings and I must admit that I was quite proud of what I'd achieved - but since I've begun teaching I've come to completely disagree with what I wrote!