If you think parenting one child drives you to the nearest Starbucks for a double espresso latte, try parenting two. See if you can relate to this article on parenting:

The day my twin daughters were born was the proudest day of my life. I was a celebrity in the hospital while I recovered from my labor. Little did I know that the days, months and years ahead would have me crying, screaming, threatening and sometimes regretting bringing these children into the world.

I was a young mother just out of college with a bright future and big plans. When I discovered that I was pregnant, I put some of those big plans on hold to be become the perfect parent to my perfect little angels. I spent the first four years of their lives catering to their ever whim. We went to parks, amusement arcades, the zoo. We participated in all the Mom and tot activities at the YMCA. It was a wonderful time for all of us.

The problems started in junior high school. One day I visited the school,unannounced, signed in at the office and was allowed to walk around the school to find my precious darlings. What a found was not one but two "little floozy(s)" dressed in skin-tight jeans with mascara and eyeliner so thick that they resembled twin raccoons. I was mortified and embarrassed.

Not only were they changing clothes when they arrived at school, they were changing their behavior. Their Behavior was not good. My little darlings were out of control.

I was livid. That night my rage could not be controled. I threatened them. I screamed at them and cried. It was this moment that I regretted ever bringing them into the world. For the next week, I barely spoke to them. I did not prepare a meal for them nor did I provide any spending money for their little extras.

I did not know what to do. At work the next day, I cried on my friend?s shoulder. She led me to a breakthrough that changed all of our lives. A summary of some of the things she told me I still use to deal with my children.

1) Do not try to be a friend to your children but treat them as if they were your friend. Always be the parent. Parent your children with respect and value their opinions. You dont scream at your friends, you dont berate them or threaten. offer constructive criticism. Always try to couch your tone and the words you use with a true concern for their feelings.

2) The key to getting your children to listen to you is - listen to them.

3) Always know who their friends are. Make it a point to observe your children with their friends. You will get a better insight into how your children behave when you are not around.

4) When your children talk about what their friends are doing... they are really talking about themselves. Offer advice as if you are talking about their friend... not to them.

5) Build a relationship with each child individually and then collectively.

6) Teach little acts of kindness These kind thoughts and action accumulate over time. Kindess forms a shield around the relationship for the hard knocks that are sure to come.

7) Demand that they get involved with an extra curricular activity. Then make the same demand of yourself to get involved With their school, activity, or club.

Being a parent takes work. The challenges and conflicts in our parent-child relationship did not change overnight. But the conflicts diminished and our relationship did change for the better.

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