Mary Simmons

For five years, Mary Simmons asked her high school students to write 10 Commandments for Parents. The results both surprise us and confirm what we know about the needs of kids: 1) Discipline Me with Respect 2) Provide for Me 3) Allow Me Freedom 4) Be a Role Model 5) Be There 6) Respect my Individuality 7) Respect my Privacy 8) Love Me 9) Don't Embarrass Me 10) Have Reasonable Expectations. www.disciplinemeright.com

Mary Simmons teaches high school English in Bothell, Washington. Originally from Oregon, she grew up in the Willamette Valley, the daughter of two teachers. She attended the University of Oregon, Southern Oregon University, the University of Victoria in B.C., and Western Washington University.

Mary is the parent of one son, and teaches about 150 juniors and seniors every year.