Here are some quick tips to supplement your parenting skills:

-Never use your children as bulletin boards for messages for their mother. Either call or email their mother. All conversations that should be kept between adults, stays with adults. Whatever needs to be said should be out of "ear shot" of your kids. Even if you think they are in the other room, be sure.

-You may have an ex-spouse, but your kids do not have an ex-parent.

-A negative statement about their mother in front of your children is an arrow shot directly through your children's heart.

-Never share correspondence between you and their mother with your children. This includes email. Encrypt the files so they cannot be read.

-If you are paying child support, do not deny that money. It is money for your kids. If you think it is being spent inproperly, talk to an attorney.

- Always call you children. Even if you leave messages and they do not call you back. We are the parents, we are the adults. When you do talk to them, do not guilt them about not calling. Keep your conversations upbeat and focus on their day. Always end your conversation with "I love you and I will talk to you soon." Yes, even with know-it-all teens, you need to call.

-Children watch what you do, not what you say.

-"No" is a love word.