- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- dads today articles
- dads today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Super Dads
Handling Parenting Challenges in a Single Bound
By Michael L. Thal
A super dad doesn't need to tell his child what to do, just ask his kid the right questions. One Friday evening during dinner, Ghazarian's daughter, Laurie, then in eighth grade, told him about a social studies project due Monday morning. The next day she asked her father if she could go with her friends to the movies.
"Did you finish your project?" he asked.
"Not yet."
"Will you have time to do the necessary work?"
"I'm not sure."
"Then I think you need to ask yourself that movie question, not me."
Laurie stayed home and did her work. Ghazarian helped instill in his child the skills needed to make conscientious decisions.
"Parents need to know when to talk, when to listen, when to compromise, when to let it slide and when to stand firm," says