No experts here

I just want to clarify a few things. I am NOT any sort of expert in child raising. I am a mother of a fairly well adjusted adopted son, the grandmother of five, and one of five daughters of a mother who raised her children with a firm hand and an open mind. I recall that Mom didn't always answer my questions directly but, instead, asked me what I thought about it. I had to think and reason things out. Then she would give me her answer, always noting that that was her opinion on the subject and that I would have to form my own. (This did not apply to discipline issues. There were no options there!) I remember a time when my two surviving sisters and I asked Mom her opinion about something we were going to do. "I don't know why you're bothering to ask me; you'll do what you want to anyway." Exactly, Mom. Each of us likes to have her input and semi-objectivity but we will make the final decision ourselves. Thinking for ourselves. Something we need to teach our children.

As for children, I believe that children should be treated with the same respect as any other human being. They are not our toys or belongings. They are people who need our guidance and teaching to help them to become responsible and caring adults.

In all things, common sense should rule.