I have three sons aged 6, 7 and 11.From, hell, the time they were born, I have taught them, and made sure they understood, The Most Important Rule. THis rule does not changed based on location. This rule is UNIVERSAL.
My oldest let me know after a playdate that he couldn’t be friends with one of the kids anymore, because he said the rule was stupid. I was so proud of my 11 year old for making this decision, and I have actually talked to parents of the child, because it isn’t a stupid rule.
The Most Important Rule: If you are doing something with or to another person, and they say No, or Stop, or Don’t, you IMMEDIATELY stop what you are doing, every time, no exception, no questions, no compromise.
I have three sons, all of whom are eleven years old or younger, all of whom understand The Most Important Rule.
I have an eleven year old who is starting to ask me about WHY I have worked so hard to teach them this, and who is starting to slowly learn some things about my past.
He looked at me the other night, and told me that it was NEVER my fault if someone else didn’t obey the rules.
I love that kid so damned much.
If I am able to teach them nothing else, at least they understand this.
Parenting: You’re doing it right. I hope I can ingrain something this important in my future kids.
