MINT HILL, NC – There is no way around it. When you are a parent, inevitably, you will be the bad guy sometimes. As parents, we try to sidestep this fact, and maybe sometimes we are able to do it. Ultimately, there will be times as a parent that our children do not like the decisions we have made for them. They will not always acquiesce to our instructions. There may be times when our children express defiant opposition. It’s important to keep in mind our role in our children’s lives when these situations occur. Not only are we responsible for meeting their physical needs (food, shelter, and clothing), we are also responsible for guiding them and helping them to develop into productive adults. What this means is that our children depend on us to make the best decisions for them whether they like it or not. We sometimes say “no” to our children, because it is the best thing for them at the time. Not only are we functioning in the role of parent, but also as a mentor. It’s tough. Our children have our heartstrings. We don’t like to see them uncomfortable or unhappy. However, it is good for us to have boundaries as parents and for those boundaries to be respected. The goal is to have our children comply, even when they don’t agree. They are free to have their own opinions, but as minors, they need our guidance, and sometimes they need our “no”. Please subscribe to The Inside Instructor Podcast for practical tips on how to make learning fun and a part of everyday life.