I go back to one of Pop's favorite sayings:  "Do as I say, not as I do".  Nothing wrong with this philosophy when you're going between parents and children.  Pop smoked and drank beer.  The "liberal" parent would say that this is setting a bad example.  But if you take it apart logically, cigarettes and beer are for ADULTS who choose to smoke cigarettes and drink beer.  So, there is nothing wrong with telling your kids that they can't do it but you can.  Besides, anyone who tries to "reason" with a three year old is an an idiot.  That's like telling a newborn baby not to crap in his diaper.  And "compromise" is not something a parent should worry about with their kids.

They are your kids, not your friends.  You compromise with people who are on the same level, such as friends, co-workers, etc.  The best response to an argumentative child should start with "what part of NO don't you understand"?  It's a small word.  And yes, Redbook is a little too female for me as well.