Once you turn over a new_leaf_, you can’t expect to change _completely_ right away. You are _bound_ to fluctuate at times. The key is to be _satisfied_ with gradual _improvement_, expecting and accepting the _occasional_ slips that come with any change. And even after you are handling these decisions in a _firmer_ and more confident manner, __you can’t expect your children to respond immediately _. For a while they’ll keep on applying the old pressures that used to work so well. But __they’ll eventually come to respect your decisions_ once they learn that nagging and arguing no longer work. In the end, _both you and your children will be happier for it_.