Emily V. Gordon Quotes

Being a stepparent is knowing when to step in, when to step back, when to step up, when to step out.

Every parent has gone through a period when their child wasn't so happy with them.

I told my children, 'I don't like children.'

I try to do everything from the viewpoint of what's best for my kids. I have three kids and two great dads and it's not always easy, but you have to try to be a little selfless and we manage just fine.

I think the greatest challenge between child and parent is communication.

Relationships can go wrong very simply, very quickly, and when you have children you become more aware of relationships around you.

Trying to negotiate getting a couple of kids to watch the same TV show requires serious diplomacy.

Having two bathrooms ruined the capacity to co-operate.

You have to support your children to have a healthy relationship.

The thing is, when you have a child with someone, like it or not, you're going to have to have a continuing relationship with them.

Parenting is the hardest thing I have ever done. I tried to find the balance between the strict, traditional Chinese way I was raised, which I think can be too harsh, and what I see as a tendency in the West to be too permissive and indulgent. If I could do it all again, I would, with some adjustments.

I have so many things that I say to my kids, I just drive them crazy.

What I most hope is that Kelsey and I can improve our communications and truly co-parent our two wonderful children.

Life with another person is always difficult.

We've got the children so we have to deal with each other because we have to deal with children's problems, you know, and our own problems. But some days it's fine, and then some days we just are at each other's throat.

I guess you kind of got to realize that once you in a marriage, whatever it is, you gotta deal with it. Not necessarily that you got to accept it, but you have to deal with it and try your best to make it work for you, for the both of you.

My mom and dad? Oh, they were a fiery pair. They stayed together for the kids and also because they were hopelessly in love with each other, but they were totally incompatible.

Meanwhile I married and I adopted three kids who were all from one family and then later I was divorced.

The important thing is that when you correct your children, they see what they've done wrong and why you're upset.

It's important to show children love, affection and balance and invest time in their moral upbringing.

The best you can sometimes do is learn to take a breath, count to ten and simply accept that try as you might, no, your husband will never, ever learn not to drop a wet towel on the bed. That acceptance too counts as resolving a fight.

I like tough relationships. I think relationships with conflict are good for you - you learn. But you can't listen too much. I have a strong point of view, and it's important that I fight for my ideas.

It's hard to say no to your kid. It's hard for them to stomp off and not be happy with you for an hour.

Divorce is not easy, but if you genuinely put your kids first, that dictates the civility you should show each other. What example are you otherwise?

I'm a believer in the parent first, friend second philosophy, and trying to find that balance.