Although there is no way to prove my claim, strict parents continue to breed rebellious children. Not only do I believe strict parenting creates rebellious children, I believe it creates an unhealthy environment and sets your child up for failure. Strict parenting almost guarantees strain on the relationship you have with your child. This negative relationship will not grow into love as they get older, and can lead to resentment and anger.
I was recently watching a video where three moms were discussing how they do not allow their children to have sleepovers... at all. The discussion was on whether children should be allowed to have sleepovers with their significant others. When asked this question the mothers all automatically responded they would never allow that at any age, as they don’t even allow sleepovers with friends.
I was shocked to discover this was a common statement. I had grown up in a town that each Friday night my friends and I snuggled up in bed while secretly watching Degrassi and Jersey Shore until the sun rose. It wasn’t until college I realized how many people had never slept away from home. I was meeting kids who grew up on an hourly schedule while being tracked by GPS. These same kids were the ones being taken away in ambulances from over drinking and irresponsible partying.
When you grow up in an environment where every action is cleared by your parents, you will never truly gain real-world experience. Being able to experience spontaneous and unplanned encounters allows you to grow your street skills. Street smarts are directly correlated with freedom and experience as it is not something that can be taught in a classroom. Because of this, if a parent expects the classroom will give their child enough education, they are completely and utterly wrong.
I’m not saying actions shouldn't have consequences. There is a major difference between being a lenient parent and not being a parent at all. Allowing your children to have experience with alcohol, partying and other social situations allow them to grow respect and understand the responsibility that comes with alcohol and partying overall.
Making sure your child is growing up in an environment where they can call you after a night of partying for a ride is critical. I believe it is important that your child won’t be scared to talk to you about drinking, sex or any other "taboo" topics.
Letting your child experience life on their own creates an environment of constant growth and learning. By doing this you are able to watch your child grow up and figure life out. You will always be ready to catch them if they fall.
