Can you also think of a time when you gave permission to your child to do something that was previously against the rules? How did the child manage this new privilege?

Knowing when to assert parental authority to protect the child and others and when to turn that authority over to children is a difficult balancing act. Authority must be given up and handed to children if your ultimate goal is self-responsibility. Do I have to say no here and now or is now the time to say yes. Every parent has to figure this timetable out for themselves for every child is different. That is part of the wonder in raising a child.

If you are keeping a journal, describe your thoughts about what authority means to you as a parent.

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