The family is not exactly a democracy. Except maybe when deciding where to go for dinner. But good parents aren’t dictators, either, not even benevolent ones. Kids just won’t stand for it. They’re too rebellious by nature, too good at seeing through your arbitrary and selfish commands, too good at calling your bluffs. It’s hard to maintain the type of terror you need to truly impose your will on a population over a long period, since you love them and all. You can try to boss them around simply because you’re the parent. Sometimes you have to. But take that approach too often and you’ll be constantly putting down small rebellions, getting into shouting duels, and finding yourself barricaded behind slammed doors. You’ll end up clashing with your spouse, too, who doesn’t share your every whim. A peaceful family cannot be ruled by tyrants. It must be ruled by laws.
Why Don't Kids Follow the Rules?
Why Don't Kids Follow the Rules?
Why Don't Kids Follow the Rules?
The family is not exactly a democracy. Except maybe when deciding where to go for dinner. But good parents aren’t dictators, either, not even benevolent ones. Kids just won’t stand for it. They’re too rebellious by nature, too good at seeing through your arbitrary and selfish commands, too good at calling your bluffs. It’s hard to maintain the type of terror you need to truly impose your will on a population over a long period, since you love them and all. You can try to boss them around simply because you’re the parent. Sometimes you have to. But take that approach too often and you’ll be constantly putting down small rebellions, getting into shouting duels, and finding yourself barricaded behind slammed doors. You’ll end up clashing with your spouse, too, who doesn’t share your every whim. A peaceful family cannot be ruled by tyrants. It must be ruled by laws.