Stress can be at high levels in the homes of anyone who has a child of any age. I'm thinking particularly of parents of infants through the early elementary age right now though.

I spend a fair amount of time with young families and though my own sons are now adults and becoming parents themselves, I do have a clear vision on parenthood and the way things are "now a days". I see moms (and dads) who are under constant stress, their homes and lives practically ruined all because the battle for position of "boss" in the home is on and running hot and furious.

Did you know that if you have been blessed with a child in any way, that makes you a parent? And, did you also know that it is the parent who is to be in charge? Not the child!! I'm sure we all know that, but by watching young families today, I wonder how many of you actually believe that. Of course, not all young families struggle with this issue. But, if you personally do not, I just about guarantee you know someone else who does.

Many - most? - much of these problems can be conquered by simple discipline. Discipline and energy to take the time to parent your child. Discipline and respect to be parented. Do you see what I mean?

I promise you that your child does not want to be in control. She does not want to be boss. That is far too scary for a little one. They are not equipped to be in charge and they are not supposed to be in charge. Children are starving for a parent who loves them enough to lay out boundaries. That make the child feel so safe.

I spent last Wednesday afternoon with a young mother and her two year old daughter. Now I know this family fairly well and I happen to know that both of these females are bright, happy, friendly, sweet girls. But that day, the toddler took on the fangs of a little monster! She was unruly, out of control, tired, and running wild. You could just see that she was crying out to mom, in her own little-toddler way, for boundaries. For discipline. For safety and peace and calmness. But, mom was too tired that day to deal with any of it, so she just let her run wild all afternoon. Everyone in the room was miserable, but honestly, no one was more miserable than that sweet little toddler. She was a mess. And, by the end of the visit, so was I!!

Please, moms, please take time out of your life to teach, love, discipline and train your child. No one is going to do it for you. Not the babysitter, the schools or grandma! It's your job. That is what parenting is all about. You have given up your right to complete peace and quiet the moment you decided you were big enough to become a parent. Now it's time to act on that responsibility.

You won't hurt your child's feelings or ruin her psyche by drawing boundary lines for her. You will be blessing your little ones and building them up. You will be removing that ugly fear that rears its head and tells your child no one cares. You will be giving them tools to use throughout their years that will help them cope with life, relate to people, and enjoy their time. Don't believe the lies - disciplining a child in a loving and consistent manner makes for pleasant, responsible adults who long to be involved with life.

I'm behind you all the way on this and I think you'll find that so are the majority of people. So sit down and make up a list of basic rules and values that you are specifically going to begin teaching today to the young and old alike. Post it in a convenient spot (how about the front of your fridge?) and follow through no matter the cost! You will be making life so much easier for all of you in the long run. So much more enjoyable! So who is boss in your home today??