Your Child’s Dignity vs. Social Compliance
In response to a reader’s question about my article, From Control to Leadership, I added this update. One of the notable ideas in the update is that in partnership-style parenting, you value the dignity of your child more than compliance with society’s expectations.
Improve Your Groove
Today, observe yourself as you interact with your child, and be mindful of two things:
1. Your motive. (Are you motivated more by love or by a perceived need to comply with social expectations?)
2. The level of your child’s dignity implied by your treatment. (Listen to your tone of voice and compare it with the tone you use with your partner, best friend, or any adult you hold in high esteem.)
Often these two are at odds: you always prefer to treat your child with respect, but there are times when you feel socially obligated to control, coerce, reprimand, etc.
This might reveal some previously unnoticed double standards, give you opportunities to cultivate a greater appreciation for children’s inherent dignity, and increase the level of mutual respect in your relationship.
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