IS IT TIME TO STEP IN?

***WHEN PARENTS SHOULD . . . AND SHOULDN'T . . . HELP THEIR KIDS***

It's hard being a parent. Most of the time, you'll do anything to make your kids happy. So when something goes wrong, you want to fix it, right?

Well, sometimes you do need to step in . . . but not ALWAYS. Sometimes you have to let your kids figure things out by themselves. So, here's a little guidance on when you should and SHOULDN'T save the day . . .

#1.) YOUR KINDERGARTENER FORGOT ABOUT SHOW-AND-TELL. It's okay to run home and get their toy the first few times . . . but if your child keeps doing it, let them be disappointed. They need to learn about CONSEQUENCES.

#2.) YOUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD IS BEING EXCLUDED. When YOUNG kids aren't including your child on the playground or in the sandbox, it's okay to intervene.

--But, if you don't want to step in just yet, try telling your child how to handle the situation, and see if they can work it out on their own.

#3.) YOUR HIGH SCHOOLER IS BEING HARRASSED. There's a difference between being picked-on and being harassed . . . but if your child tells you they're having trouble with kids at school, make sure the situation is handled by an ADULT.

#4.) YOUR CHILD IS STRUGGLING IN THE "REAL WORLD". When you're child FINALLY heads out into the real world, it can be hard for them to adapt. So don't be surprised when they call on you to help pay the rent.

--Help them get on their feet if you can, but make sure they don't rely on you EVERY month. If they keep having trouble, sit down with them and figure out a budget. (CNN)