We need help, Dr. Dobson. We were given your book, "The Strong-Willed Child," and I read through it. Then I put it on a shelf. Forgive me, Dr. Dobson. I did not know how soon I would need your thoughts and compassion, and reassurance that I'm not the only one with a child who has control issues.

Dr. Dobson, I am so glad that as the parent I'm supposed to have the control. Thank you for reminding me. But both Doug and I have been failing at the "benevolent boss" that you describe. I'm all benevolence... Doug's all boss. When you describe your little stories and different strong-willed children, you describe Roman. Every. Single. Story. You sum it all up on page 101 - WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE. And it's driving us crazy. And Roman's winning.

Tomorrow is the last day of 2005, Dr. Dobson. Doug and I have only one resolution... one goal... that we make together. To raise Roman to keep his playful spirit and sense of humor, but to also understand that we're the benevolent bosses who are in control.

We lost sight of that, Dr. Dobson. Thank you for standing upright on the living room shelf, waiting for us... we've come back. And we're ready to listen to you.