1. My bright, articulate child can distinguish between what she wants and what she needs.

2. It is respectful and appropriate to continue all discussions with my child until she understands my rationale for what I want her to do...or not to do.

3. If they just try hard enough, and receive enough parental support, every child can become a neurosurgeon...or head a profitable Internet startup.

4. Just like their bodies, children brains are maturing faster than they used to and are readier to learn advanced math at earlier ages!

5. Letting my eight year-old watch a PG-13 or R-rated movie won't hurt him-- the parts he doesn't understand will go right over his head.

6. In our competitive world, it's important to give each child an edge by scheduling enrichment activities, lessons and tutors. It's less important to let my child waste time farting around and daydreaming, or require them to participate in household chores.

7. Praise builds self-esteem. Every child needs to feel very special.

8. Thank goodness, children need less sleep than they used to.

9. It is not good for my child to feel bored, unhappy, disappointed, sad, frustrated or left out.

10. These days all children are either learning disabled or gifted or both.