Stay-at-Home Parents

» Sandra Williams - microtrends - permissive parenting

Holding hand up as parent of teens. Although they all go through different stages at different times, it doesn't necessarily get any easier.

I don't like to judge others methods too much because as Angela mentioned, every child is different. One stern look might be enough to correct one person's child but that doesn't mean the same will apply to everyone else. Some need a much heavier hand and some serious consequences.

My mother was a hard a** and the matriarch in our home. While I don't run around chasing my kids with a wooden spoon like she did, I did pick up some of her methods. She's mellowed a lot but she's actually a lot of fun and worked in pediatrics for years. Of course as most older ones say my youngest sister got away with murder compared to me. I'm sure my eldest will say the same later on.

Most kids love her but they know not to mess with her. It's rare to be able to find that balance of respect and fun though IMO.

We had older stepchildren come into our marriage and had challenges with that. You want them to like you yet you need to be a parent and not a "friend".