Our children have their own journey.  They need not be the same as the parents.

We as parents have expectations of our children, and we get disillusioned when they fall short.

They have their own heart, mind and soul.  They also have their own desires and goals.  When we curb their desires, they rebel knowingly or unknowingly.

This creates tension and frustration between us as parents and our children.  So instead of a loving, harmonious and positive relationship there is sometimes a less cordial relationship.

So what is the solution for the parent?

1. Be a good model - one who is loving, kind and disciplined.  Teach without teaching!  In other words the children are learning just by watching, not by hearing.
2. Allow them room to explore their own journey.  We cannot assume that we always know what is good for them.
3. Be gentle, kind and understanding.  We have to remind ourselves how we were at their age.
4. Have fun with them.  These are the memories they will cherish and remember.
5. They will soon grow up and become our bosses!  Treat them as we wish them to treat us when we get older.

What goes around, comes around!