Good Control

 

As children we have very little control. We are at the mercy of our parents or guardians. We trust them to make the right decisions for us. We follow their rules or lack of them.  Isn't it interesting that one set of parents have so many rules that children are afraid to breath while another might have none therefore the children run over even them. I am not going to tell you what the right amount of control is for you in your life because I don't know. I do know that children respond better when there is some structure or control. They need to know limits and what is expected of them. A key thing to remember is consistency. When rules are always changing they become unsure of what is expected of them. Then there could be big problems: some become afraid and withdraw while others start acting out in inappropriate ways. Parents that practice good control will allow it to change as the children grow.  In so doing parents are teaching them responsibilities and how to make right choices. They are working at preparing them to go out into the world.  As loving parents we do our best to teach our children the correct way of life. We sit back let the rope of control slowly disappear and let life happens. I trust you are using your power of control in a good way. Next week I would like to talk about when control becomes a power trip.