Parenting sometimes feels like a high-stakes game of chess—you make one wrong move, and suddenly, you are caught in a tantrum tornado at the grocery store. But what if I told you that a book about power, strategy, and influence (yes, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene) could actually help you become a better parent? No, we are not trying to rule our kids with an iron fist—just using a little strategic wisdom to raise them right!
Here are some of Robert Greene’s most famous laws, reimagined for parents who just want their kids to grow up happy, independent, and maybe pick up their socks once in a while.
1. Never Outshine the Master → Never Compete with Your Kid
If your child finally manages to ride a bike without training wheels, do not immediately launch into, “Oh, I used to do BMX tricks when I was your age!” Let them have their moment! Encourage their confidence instead of making it a competition.
Parenting Hack: Celebrate their victories without turning it into a “back in my day” speech.
2. So Much Depends on Reputation → Teach Them That Character Matters
A good reputation opens doors, and a bad one can close them fast (just ask that one kid who always got blamed for everything in school). Teach your child that honesty, kindness, and responsibility are just as important as good grades.
Parenting Hack: Explain that social media posts live forever—so maybe do not post that “funny” video of themselves licking a doorknob.
3. Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument → Be the Example, Not the Lecture
Kids are experts at tuning out long-winded lectures. Instead of nagging, model the behaviour you want to see. Want them to be kind? Show kindness. Want them to stop yelling? Maybe you need to lower your voice first.
Parenting Hack: Actions speak louder than endless, repetitive, soul-draining lectures (which, let’s be honest, do not work anyway).
4. Court Attention at All Costs → Give Them Attention Before They Demand It
Children who do not get enough positive attention will start acting up to get any attention. If your child suddenly starts making siren noises during dinner, they might just need some one-on-one time with you.
Parenting Hack: Fill their attention cup before they start breakdancing on the kitchen table for clout.
5. When Asking for Help, Appeal to Self-Interest → Make Chores Feel Like a Win for Them
Telling a kid to “clean their room because I said so” is a one-way ticket to Meltdown City. Instead, show them how it benefits them.
Parenting Hack: Try “If you clean your room now, you will have more space to build your LEGO castle!” (Sneaky, but effective.)
6. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself → Stay Connected to Your Kid’s World
Ever feel like your kid speaks a foreign language of memes, Roblox references, and TikTok slang? Instead of pulling the “Back in my day…” card, try learning what they love.
Parenting Hack: Ask questions! “Who is your favourite YouTuber?” “What’s this game about?” The more connected you are to their world, the easier it is to stay close as they grow up.
7. Recreate Yourself → Adapt Your Parenting As They Grow
What worked for your four-year-old (distraction with snacks) will not work for your teenager (who now has the audacity to question everything).
Parenting Hack: Stay flexible. As kids grow, shift from “Because I said so” to mentoring, coaching, and actually listening.
8. Plan All the Way to the End → Think Long-Term, Not Just Quick Fixes
Bribing your kid with chocolate to stop a tantrum works—but now they know they can hold your sanity hostage for snacks.
Parenting Hack: Teach them values, not just compliance. It is harder in the short run but pays off when you are not raising a tiny dictator.
9. Never Appear Too Perfect → Show Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
Kids who believe everything must be perfect get stressed out fast. If they see you handle failure with a laugh and a “Whoops, I messed up,” they will learn that mistakes are normal, not disasters.
Parenting Hack: Normalize failure as part of growth. (Bonus: They will stop freaking out over every tiny mistake.)
Final Thoughts: Power & Parenting—But Make It Kind
Look, we are not trying to be Machiavellian masterminds here—just parents who want to raise smart, kind, independent humans without losing our minds in the process. If there is one takeaway from The 48 Laws of Power, it is that strategy matters—even in parenting!
Your Turn! What’s the best (or worst) parenting advice you have ever received? Drop it in the comments—I promise not to judge if it involves bribing with ice cream.
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