Act Like You Know What You’re Doing

A high school baseball umpire unexpectantly found himself umping a college game and he wasn't prepared. The chief umpire told him, "I don't care if you make the right call or not, just be in the right position, and make the call with authority." That's pretty good advice for parents and stepparents. Be in the right position: Be engaged in your child's life. And make the call with authority: We don't always know best but when we lead with certainty, we manage the game and keep the players safe.