STRATEGIES Judge's rules

Children can accomplish anything when their parents believe in them, says Judge Glenda Hatchett. Here are her seven simple strategies for helping your children achieve their dreams:
Expect greatness: Teach your children that greatness is within their grasp. Even if you suspect their goal is too high, encourage them to go for it. They may surprise you.
Say what you mean and mean what you say: Be consistent and stick to a plan. It may hurt you as much as it hurts them, but when you stick to a punishment for a broken rule, they will learn that actions have consequences.
Listen carefully: Children know when you're listening. If you brush off their little issues, thinking they'll grow out of them, they won't come to you when the big problems come along.
Keep your word: Your kids need to trust you. Don't say you're going to make their game, unless you are. And if you give your word, keep it. That's how they learn the importance of keeping their word.
Cheer: You've got to let your kids know you're in their corner and you're pulling for them.
Make money matter: Teach kids how to earn, value and manage money. And don't give money as a substitute for your time.
Reach, teach and preach: Kids gain security from knowing that there is a force greater than they are. Tragedy will happen. But faith can help children realize that no matter what happens, comfort and redemption are possible.
Knight Ridder Newspapers