Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 27 years
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Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 27 years
Most people know raising kids is hard. Shocker, right? Still, I catch myself asking: what else can I do to make sure these kids don’t grow up to be complete disasters?
Truth is, no matter how hard I try, there’s always a chance things won’t turn out the way I want. Growing up in communist Romania taught me lessons no school could ever offer. Add to that my life in two completely different countries with two completely different cultures, and you get this weird mix of experience and sarcasm that spills out as “sayings” I throw at my daughters.
I’m basically hoping at least one of my lines sticks and steers them toward making fewer dumb choices.
1. No kid ever thanks their parents for letting them do nothing.
Every time I tell my kids to clean their rooms, do homework, or help with chores, I remind them: “One day, you’ll thank me for this. Actually—thank me right now.” And yes, I actually make them say it.
Sometimes they do, sometimes they roll their eyes. Either way, I’d rather have them mad at me today than storming into my living room as adults yelling at me for raising them soft.
2. Don’t you dare blame me later for not teaching you Romanian.
I’ve told them: grab a pen, grab some paper, and start now. Does it work? Nope. But I make it crystal clear—I will not be the guy they blame later for not knowing their heritage. And let me tell you, a couple of trips to Romania won’t cut it. My conscience is clean.
3. “See that guy? He definitely didn’t do his homework.”
Living in Los Angeles, you can’t escape homelessness. Instead of pretending it’s not there, I turn it into a teaching moment. If we pass someone struggling on the streets, I’ll say something like: “That lady? She was the most popular girl in high school.” Or: “That guy? He didn’t do his homework.”
Now—before anyone gets offended—no, I don’t know their story, and no, I don’t find homelessness funny. It’s tragic. But if my kids have to see it, then I’ll make damn sure they pull a lesson out of it. They don’t always understand how life choices—or circumstances—can land someone there. I do. And I want them to understand that life doesn’t hand out free passes.
I don’t just lecture—I model. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it. I keep my room clean, I do my own laundry, and I always pick up after myself. So, when I ask them to do the same, I tell them:
The only time I’ll step in is if it’s unsafe or impossible for them—and I make sure they know why. Otherwise, tough luck—it’s their responsibility. And you know what? They can’t argue with that. It’s my way of teaching them the golden rule: treat people the way you want to be treated… starting with your parents.
I’m not claiming my strategies work all the time—or that they’re some kind of universal parenting guide. They’re just mine, and they work most of the time. Or at least I hope they do.
We all want our kids to grow up into responsible adults. I’m sharing my approach in the hope that you’ll share yours. Because at the end of the day, none of us want our grown kids pointing fingers at us, saying: “It’s your fault.” (And let’s be honest—they’ll probably do it anyway.)
4367 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks (Moorpark & Woodman)
12735 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (Ventura Blvd. & Coldwater Canyon)
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