Are you a strict parent or a lenient parent?
By miamilady
@miamilady (4910)
United States
April 10, 2007 11:38am CST
In your opinion, which is the best way to parent. I tend to do a little of both. Unfortunately I'm not sure if this is the best approach. I don't like to be too strict because I think that life should be fun. But, my children tend to take advantage of that. When I see that they are starting to get into behavior that is bad, I start to become more strict. Sometimes this happens after I become frustrated and angry with them. I remain strict for a period of time, then I start feeling guilty that I am being too strict and I back off again. I feel like I am stuck in a vicious cycle.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
24 May 07
I've grown up with both. My dad was very strict and my mom was very lenient. It balanced out. Although I'm not a parent, I was a foster parent for 2 years and although I was strict I tried to be fair too. I think alot of parents tend to be too lenient and then when the child gets out of control they can't get the control back. Its a fine line to walk.
LIVE IN PEACE
1 person likes this
@cowgirl2701 (2079)
• United States
10 Apr 07
My children are grown and very productive law abiding citizens. I wasn't a tyrant and I wasn't lenient. You have to pick your battles. I used tough love when nessisary. Even if that meant turning them in to the police or school for things. I taught them if you are going to do the crime, you are going to do the time. I also taught them to respect others. Then there are things like not wanting to eat dinner. Okay don't eat dinner but you don't get a snack later. Your plate from dinner will be in the fridge. Heat that up if you get hungry but no snack. I have seen parents be strict over things that really don't matter. Then protect them from the big mistakes they make.
1 person likes this
@gradyslady (4054)
• United States
18 Sep 07
My mom wasn't strict at all, but my friend's parents were and she ended up becoming what they were trying to prevent. I think the more strict you are, the more you have to watch out for them trying to do things behind your back.
