I've always felt that it was very important that my kids know that I love them unconditionally, no matter what they say or do. I may not like their behavior sometimes, but I've certainly never loved them any less. I make it very clear that I love them but their behavior occassionally needs improvement. I think it's also important to let them know that it's not their mistakes that define them, it's how they deal with them.

They all went through an difficult stage around age 12. I've always encouraged them to express their opinion, but my decision stands.