According to The November issue of Family Circle, parents have less influence over their child’s personality than they tend to think – or would like to think. For moms and dads whose kids aren’t quite mini-mes, the magazine has this advice:

¢ Make sure your expectations aren’t too high. If you’re a bookworm and your son’s a jock, don’t dwell on the differences. Learn to appreciate the unique individual he is.

¢ Try to bond anyway. By showing interest in your child’s interest, no matter what it is, you two can relate. You might even learn something.

¢ Think of it as a good thing. Children who have strong identities also have higher self-esteem.