A Mom's Minute: Who's the Boss?

Here's a question: Who's running your family?

Many parents feel they are doing their child a favor by letting them make a majority of the family's decisions. Decisions like what extra activities they are involved in, where they go to school, what they watch on TV, their bedtime and - believe it or not - even when it's time to take a bath.

Children indeed have their own opinions, but they also obviously have much less life experience. Giving your child choices is a great idea. It's our job as parents to teach them how to make an appropriate choice. To show them that not everyone's needs are met all at the same time and that fair doesn't always mean equal.

We need to teach them to follow through with their decisions and that once a task is begun, there is no quitting. If your child makes a choice that doesn't quite turn out as they wish, teach them to learn from their mistakes.

Let your kids have control that is age appropriate. The parents are the ones in the family that have the final say. It's not easy being a kid so don't add the pressure of making an adult decision. I'm sure you already know it's not easy being a parent. But it's definitely worth it.