If your goal is to push your kids away as soon as possible, then I have a few tips for you. These are guaranteed not only to drive your kids away from your home, but to keep them away for a significant period of time.

1. Try to be their best friend

Master the art of smothering them. Why would they need anyone else in life besides you? You should be there to meet their every need. Oh, and it’s okay to expect them to meet your needs as well. If that doesn’t work, you can always try to be best friends with their best friends.

2. Manipulate their emotions

Guilt works. It worked on you when your parents used it, right? So you should definitely pass it on to your children. The goal is to make them feel so bad they will start being good. This works especially well if you want them to appreciate you more as a parent. Use phrases like, “You know I won’t always be here,” or “I can’t believe you would do something like that to me.” Maybe one day this will help them build a healthy relationship with their own children.

3. Compare them to whoever you want them to become

Everyone needs a tangible example they can use as a yardstick to measure themselves. How else will they know the specific attributes you want them to develop? Make sure you point it out in someone else, especially someone they see everyday like a sister or a brother.

4. Create more drama than they do

If they pitch a fit, pitch a bigger one. You are the adult. Don’t let them out-argue, out-debate, or out reason you. By the way, your body language can really help you make your point. Freely expressing your anger and frustration only implies that you are a very passionate and caring parent. And always remember, the louder you speak the more you will be heard.

5. Live your dreams through them

Push them to do what you wanted to do but never did. This could be your chance to prove to everyone what you could have done. It doesn’t really matter if it is something they don’t want to do. They can learn to be passionate about something that matters to you. Besides, you just want what’s best for them.

6. Nag them until they do it your way

If you don’t remind them of their imperfections and weaknesses, they may never improve. You don’t want them to settle for mediocrity. They need a consistent voice in their ear challenging them to get it right. It’s your job to conform them to the image of the future that you have pictured for them.

7. Fight a lot with your spouse

Your kids should see you stand up for your rights as often as possible. If you don’t want them to grow up and be a wimp in their marriage, then make sure you are quick to put your spouse in his or her place. If you want respect from your kids, you should probably demand it from your partner.

Any ideas? I’m sure you can think of more creative ways to get your kids to run for the door.