I happen to think that one of parents’ most important responsibilities is preparing their children for the day when they leave home and live on their own. Will they be ready to make decisions for themselves? Will they know how to react in stressful or dangerous situations? Will they be able to manage their own money? The list goes on and on. But the way I mentally visualize this parenting challenge is using the “give more rope” analogy.
When your child is young, there is only a very short rope between you and them. What does this mean? As they drift from side to side (ie – doing things that are wrong or dangerous), the rope is so short that the parent can immediately correct (explain, scold, punish). The other benefit of the rope being so short is that the consequences of the child’s action are limited. Even something like touching a hot stove might seem catastrophic at the time but in a short few years you’ll realize that a blister on a finger is nothing compared to later potential consequences you’ll be worried about. Again, a short rope yields quick correction and limited consequences.
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