If you’ve ever watched the show Supernanny, you know how far kids will go to get their way, especially if their parents have proven time and time again that they’re pushovers. They will throw a tantrum until their parents give in, learning that bad behavior gets them exactly what they want. Until parents can stand their ground and understand that even their «very good» kids will take a mile if they give an inch, they won’t be able to control their young children. 

Standing your ground is, of course, easier said than done. I can watch reruns of Supernanny to my heart’s content, but until I actually mother a child who is disobeying me, I won’t know how hard it will be to discipline them. Some kids will believe, «If you don’t start behaving, we’re going home,» and won’t try to challenge it, but many kids don’t believe that their parents will actually follow through.