I've never had a kid so I can't really tell you what's the best way to raise a kid with certainty. However, I think that it's best to try and be strict and honest with them until they start getting toward the 11 or 12 range. From there it really depends on each kid, you have to make judgement calls and learn from your good and bad calls as a parent. Try to treat them equally when they're in similar situations, but remember each one will be different and won't be treated exactly alike since they'll be in different situations. Above all else, try to be honest whenever possible with them and show them trust unless their actions do something to break that trust.