Former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle and clinical psychologist Diane Medved collaborated on The American Family: Discovering the Values That Make Us Strong (1996). Here are some of their tips for bringing up successful children:
• Be a cheerleader to your children. A parent teaches values by example.
• Make your home the center of your children's activities.
• Children need standards set by both the father and mother.
• Respect for the family is essential. At the daily send-off, let them know they are representing the family at their school.
• Inflexible activities, such as the children's bedtime, give the children order and security. They also help parents retain authority.
• Engender love for education by reading to your children and helping them through their homework. This promotes education and helps parents and children to bond.
• Parents should stick to their word.
• Emphasize completion of a project. It builds confidence and security.
• Teach gratitude for special privileges and gifts. When your children receive services or goods from others, encourage them to be thankful.
• Parents should be punctual. This teaches reliability as well as respect for others. A penalty can be given if children begin to develop a habit of lateness.
