When I was struggling through my teen rebellions with authoritarian parents there were certain things I vowed never to say to my kids. When we would have our power struggles, my parents both had a low tolerance for “back talk.” I wanted to have what I considered reasoned negotiations, but after the third exchange I would hear, “Because I say so.” “Because I am your mother.” “I’m the parent, and what I say goes.” “Say one more thing and you’re grounded.” ARRRRRRGH! The frustration when they would pull rank! I promised myself that I would not serve that gritty dish to my children. And I didn’t.
