The Golden Rule is almost universally recognized as a good guide for human relationships: "Do unto others as you would have them do to you".
What may not be so obvious is that the Golden Rule is a good guide for parents, also. As unusual as it may seem, our children are "others". They, too, deserve to be treated according to the Golden Rule.
If you want to promote an atmosphere of mutual respect in your family, the Golden Rule is an indispensable aid. If you want to strengthen the feeling of love and value that your chidlren feel from you, the Golden Rule is your friend.
If you parent by the Golden Rule, you won't abdicate your responsibilities as a parent. You'll still be "in charge". But you will try to speak to your children with the same courtesies you expect from them and others. You'll speak to them with the tone of voice you prefer to have used when they (and anyone) speak to you. You won't discipine them in from of their peers if at all possible (since you wouldn't want to be berated in front of the whole office at work). In fact, you won't discipline them in any way that intentionally causes humiliation since you wouldn't like that--and it's not loving.
Loving, wise and confident parents use the Golden rule as a reliable guide for successful parenting. You should, too.
