But it also means many games of chess accompanied by good conversation. It doesn't matter who wins or loses. Either way, we still win - it's time that we know our son is doing something that we approve of, while safe at home, spending quality time together as a family.

Peers will always teach our kids both good and bad. But the ultimate responsibility lies with us at home, with parents helping children to recognize which habits are worth keeping, and those that should be put into a permanent "checkmate".

A parent-child relationship is quite like a game of Chess, actually. We are always watching each other to see what the next move will be. Our children learn from the moves that we choose. And when we see our children take a move, we are always looking ahead, trying to predict any possible outcomes before they occur. It's just hard to keep track of who's move it is!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valerie Zilinsky is a married mother of two young children, and 'WebMom' of http://www.RaisingOurKids.com