Isabelle: Mrs. Rock, I just can’t put down your new book, Mama Rock’s Rules! The no-nonsense “Ten Lessons” you describe in your book are all so salient; yet it seems so many parents have such a tough time enacting their wisdom. Right off the bat, right at the beginning of your book, your declaration “I am your Mama, not your friend,” stands out. Why do you think the seeming trend has been to be “friends” with our children instead of their parents?

Mama Rock: Because it's easier! Being a parent means taking a hard line and sometimes being the bad guy.

Isabelle: Can parents who see the error of their ways re-establish themselves as the parent? How would you suggest they try?

Mama Rock: Yes, by starting with easy -- yet consistent -- rules. If your child is older, it's going to be harder to start new things; but don't give up. Be loving, and yet again, consistent.

Isabelle: My mama-pals and I are committed to maintaining what we call our “maternal mojo.” Lo and behold, throughout your text you’ve sprinkled in portions entitled “Mama’s Mojo!”

Mama Rock: [In the book, the] “Mama's Mojo” [segments] give you an actual example of carrying out a rule.

Isabelle: It’s all about follow-through, isn’t it? And of course, perception -- which brings up another one of my favorite lessons from the book: you are what you answer to. What a fantastic message to bolster self-image, and negate bad self-image, in our kids. Could you share a story from your family experience on that particular lesson?