Dear Family Coach: I have to nag my 7- and 9-year-old kids for them to do anything. I nag them to do their homework. I nag them to get ready for practice. I nag them to take a shower and brush their teeth. At what point should I just let them forget and deal with the consequences? — Tired of Nagging

Dear Tired: I bet you are tired. It's exhausting to have to micromanage your children. The worst part about the nag-nag-nagging is the kids aren't even listening. They completely tune you out. And when you pick up the pieces by, say, delivering a forgotten bit of homework, you ensure they will require nagging until they leave for college.

Have you ever wondered how teachers manage a roomful of youngsters? I promise, your children's teachers are not nagging them to get their homework out or put their lunchbox in the basket. Teachers must have fairly strict routines and consequences for behavior. On day one, kids learn their responsibilities and the penalties that will result if they are unwilling to comply.

To get a little of that magic at home, copy what teachers do. Figure out a consistent routine for morning, bedtime, homework, etc. Designate specific places to put backpacks and lunchboxes. Create a schedule for showers and brushing teeth, and put it on a chart for them to check items off. These tools will help your children know what is required in your home. Tell them what will happen if they don't follow the rules. If they falter, enforce the rules without wavering.

Dear Family Coach: Most of the children on my street are boys. My 7-year-old daughter plays with them all the time. I sometimes worry whether she should be around girls more. Is there a downside to her playing with boys most of the time? — Not-So-Sure Dad

Dear Dad: I can't really see a downside if she is happy. Playing with boys has several advantages. If your daughter grows up being comfortable around boys, then she might be more likely to stand up for herself if she comes across one who undervalues her abilities. She will also see boys as friends and not just people who she could potentially date later in life. Forming a healthy friendship with people of the opposite sex begins in childhood. She sounds like she is well on her way.

That said, there are a few caveats. If your daughter expresses frustration with the boys or a desire to play with girls, I would work harder to arrange play dates. Also, if she struggles with relationships with girls at school, then I might consider finding ways she can informally interact with girls. Good places to meet up might be the playground, a birthday party or your religious organization. Don't push her toward girls. Just let it happen naturally over time. She will choose to hang with those who make her most comfortable.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.