Responsibilities toward Children

We have different responsibilities to our children than to other adults. We are financially responsible for our children; we are responsible for providing for their material and physical needs.

Our children need to be taught how to help themselves--from tying their shoes to making social plans. They need our love and guidance. They need consistent enforcement of boundaries, once we've established limits. They need a supportive, nurturing environment in which to grow. They need help learning values.

But we are not responsible for controlling our children. Contrary to popular belief, controlling doesn't work. Discipline and nurturing do -- if combined.

We need to respond to our children in a responsible way and hold them accountable for their actions at an age-appropriate level.

We need only do our best. Seek balance. Seek wisdom. Seek not to have control, but to own our power as people who are parents.