I use cheats all the time, and I'm not ashamed to admit :D. I create a lot of established families where the parents are adults, and I find it silly and unrealistic for them to be level 2 in Parenting with 3-4 kids. So I cheat the skill to a more realistic level. Same thing with their house and careers. If both parents are working it seems more realistic for them to have made progress and have a decent house for their family. Unless, of course, I want to play out a story that the parents made some bad choices or whatever and they wouldn't be as far advanced.
