Power Sharing

Who’s the Boss

In reading the article, “Who is the boss?” by Richard Miller, I learned how husbands and wives are to share in the responsibilities of decision making. I enjoyed his thoughts on how we are to discipline our children. The one thought that stuck out to me about parenting is, “Parents are the ‘executive committee’ and the ‘board of directors’ of a family.” He goes on to say parents set the limits, standards, and guidelines for how the children are expected to behave, and they must be united in leading the family. Then when the child becomes an adult the hierarchy dissolves. Parents still have the right to set household rules, but are not to govern them. He says it’s up to the adult children to make their own decisions.

While reading this article, I thought about the foolish things my son and his best friend did several years ago. The two of them went downtown for a night out. They chose to go to a Hooka Bar and smoked on some vapes. Both of them had been taught the Word of Wisdom, and knew smoking was unhealthy for their bodies. They preceded to take pictures of themselves, posting on Facebook showing off their poor choice of behavior. Several people chastised them and told them how disappointed they were of them.  The comment I chose to make was something like this, “You both have been taught right from wrong, and know what is healthy for your bodies. Regardless of the things you do wrong in life, I still love the both of you just like the Savior loves me.” Many people in who commented felt I was in the wrong, and did not like how I handled the situation. Yet I believe I did not have to chastise them any further. They were both adults, and old enough to make their own choices. I also realized they posted the pictures on Facebook to get a negative reaction, and they seemed to be delighted on all the negative comments they got.

 Even though my son is still inactive at church, my husband and I have several rules at home he and his sisters must obey. 1^st There is no alcoholic beverages allowed inside or outside our home. 2^nd If you feel you the need to smoke, then you have to go outside and take a walk. Because, we do not was to see or smell it. 3^rd Be considerate of others. 4^th Clean up after yourself. 5^th Come home at a decent hour during the week, and if you’re not coming home then let us know.