I've had this battle in my head for some months back and thought I must answer this with confidence that "Parents are the boss!" All parents, please say "Amen!" :)
Many times, I've observed whether in other families or my own, in TV or in reality... babies and children all the way up to teenagers are bosses in their home! It's a little sad to know that discipline has become one of the most challenging issue to many, yet I find it interesting how children can be bosses over their parents/guardians. They want this and they get it. They want that and they get it as well. Sometimes they have to work for it, but most times it's just by asking or pleading that they get what they want.
Giving what our children desire is not something I am against, but just thinking out loud... "Who's the Boss?"
Well... i've no experience in handling older children... so I wont go into that (yet). Here's me sharing my experience as a mother of a 15 months old toddler. Now let's see...
When a baby cry, it might mean he/she is hungry or sleepy or bored or feeling too cold or hot or uncomfortable in any way, so his/her parent would do the necessary to meet the needs and make the baby comfortable. Well, we can understand that when a baby is a baby, he/she needs all the love and attention that can be given as they are completely helpless on their own.
When a baby grew slightly older, his/her demands become more than just some (basic) needs and attention. Surely, his/her parent will give as much attention needed for the growing child. Developmental milestones are important in every life, so there is not a shadow of doubt one should be given such attention.
But then again... "Who's the Boss?"
When she cries, i'll carry her up, and distract her with anything... sometimes doing the silliest of things just to make her laugh.
When she says, "pao-pao", i'll carry her up.
When she says, "walk-walk", ok... sometimes we go out for a quick walk... but sometimes not as she has already had her walk.
When she wants anything, we will give it to her just so that (most times) the house will be peaceful and quiet.
Hmmm.... so now, "Who's the Boss?"
We, as parents, need to give our children enough space to grow up, yet at the same time create boundaries for them to live it right. Well, who says it's easy being a good parent? Let us guide them in ways that would help them live their lives to the fullest. At the moment when they're still in the "nest", WE ARE the BOSS! :)
... well, it was better than none, but it could be improved. It was a very small room with a chair & a sink and a beautiful mirror. There was no changing table except for that hard sink. Sarah was kinda tall so it was actually a lil bit difficult to change her there. She kept kicking and her head almost knock the wall (many times). The mirror is beautiful but it's totally not necessary in a diaper room! So, what can I say? I think IOI mall needs to do some research before building anything... they can hire me to give my opinions. Haha!.JPG)
.JPG){kind=link}