I am not advocating letting children run wild, with no training or direction. God gave parents the responsibility to protect and train children to grow into adults. However, I believe that this looks much different than we were led to believe.
For me, it's all about getting rid of arbitrary rules... and being more deliberate in choosing my battles. There are so many times my flesh wants to resist or correct something my LO is doing... whuch has absolutely no basis. "Why not?" is a regular mantra around here. Why shouldn't she do XYZ... !? Is it because it's not safe/good for her... or is it just because it annoys me/etc...?
And if it comes down to a matter of personal preference... then I usually find it's because I need to do a little heart searching. Because, even though it would be so much easier to just assert my authority, and make her do what I want... that's not going to teach her a thing. There is no communication, there is no respect! Just because I am the parent/grownup does NOT automatically make my comfort/priorities/preferences greater or more important than hers! And, in the end, she responds so, so SO much more positively, when I treat her with humility & the respect she deserves!
