Interesting article on TODAY

Defiant or just irresponsible

The author wrote about the difference between the 2. If a child is playful and breaks things along the way, forgot to bring his/her books back or left the bicycle out in the rain, this is known as "childish irresponsibilty" and is inevitably during the early years. As this does not constitute as direct challenges to authority, they should be handled gently.

In comparison, if a child shouts at his/her parents to "shut up" or put up a battle against his/her parents, this is known as "wilful defiance". It shows the child's refusal to accept parental leadership. And when such confrontation occurs, the parent must stand firm as the child is challenging "Who is in charge here?"

Is it therefore important for the parent to show and have the courage to lead.

I think the above article is very meaningful. Many times I hear of friends complaining/lamenting how their child is 'climbing over their head'. Some says their child treat them like maids, demanding them to do this & that. I cannot comprehend why and how such a situation can happen. Now I think I know why, because they relenquish their parental leadership to their child.

I think it's neither right nor wise to do so as the child is young and immature. They need our guidance and our advice. If they do not even respect us from young, how can be possibly teach them the values and virtues that is so needed in the society?