Wise to deny our kids something all their friends have?
“M
y daughter is giving me a hard time. Her close friends all have access to some sort of technology. My husband and I agree that bringing devices into the home is very dangerous spiritually. But other parents are more lax than we are. Am I supposed to give in to her demands or should I stick to my guns?
“This particular child really cares what others think of her, and she feels her friends look down on her as being uncool. She tells me she ‘hates’ me for my ‘stupid’ rules. What if I’m pushing her over the edge and she ends up rebelling because of my policy?”
Standing Apart
No one said that parenting is easy.
Parents can try to raise their children any way they want. It’s their prerogative to inculcate values in their home. They can teach, model, and discipline their children but they cannot “make” a child absorb anything.
When the child is very young, it’s easier to be in control, refusing to grant permission for certain activities and possessions while endorsing others. However, as the child grows older, more independent, and more vocal, parents often feel more challenged and less certain as to how far they can push their agenda without causing some sort of backlash.
Create a free account to keep reading.
