Don't? Yeah. Don't. 10 Don'ts.

From all of the experience I have (not much, really) I've compiled a list of 10 "dont's" for parents. If you decide to not take the advice, at least read it.

1. Don't expect perfection. That p-word doesn't exist.

2. Don't allow disrespect. Doesn't the name parent have the word respect slipped in there? Come on.

3. Don't be friends. A parent should not only have the qualities of a friend, but also the duties of a guardian, the answers of a dictator (you're supposed to laugh at that), AND the responsibility of guiding and directing.

4. Don't yell. If the child won't listen to you speaking with your inside voice, he or she will definitely not listen to your outside voice. "Mommy... we're in the library."

5. Don't forget. Anything. That's why personal planners were invented, and yes you are a parent, so it's OK if you own one.

6. Don't always say "yes." "No" is a pretty cool word, too.

7. Don't ignore your right to discipline. Great teaching tool.

8. Don't stop reminding yourself that you are your child's greatest example. "Hey where'd ya learn that?" "Daddy.."

9. Don't say I Love You. Show it.

10. Don't forget that you were also once a small child with parents wishing that they had this list.