Abraham Lincoln commented that the best trial lawyers spend 20% of their time preparing their case and 80% preparing the case of their opponents.  In other words, they put themselves in the other lawyer’s shoes to see what direction arguments will take. 

The same is true of being an All Pro Dad.  When you’re consistently dealing with the same arguments from your kids over and over again, try to see the problem from a different angle and come from their perspective.  For instance, if your children are hooked on video games, understand it may be their way of escaping a stressful school or peer pressure situation.  So instead of slamming off the playdeck and hustling them outside, offer them a viable alternative.  Put yourself in their shoes, and you will find them walking alongside you.

Here are 10 ways to productively argue with your children.  And learn a few tricks of the trade with Monty Python’s Argument Clinic.

Huddle up with your kids tonight and say:  I believe ____ is the thing we argue with the most.  Let’s try to see each other’s position better.