An Argument ISN'T Just A Contradiction

[Lifes Twists]

Hi Heather,

I have a soon to be 20 D. She also wants to make all her own decisions without discussion first and then hope we will dig them out of it later. Like you, I struggle with wanting to shield her. She can be like the little kid who insists on touching the hot stove after you tell them not too. I am learning that pulling back the shield is best because it allows them to grow. Not giving them money for everything is teaching them the value of getting and holding a job. I find it funny when they all sit on the couch and one says," hey lets go out to eat." Then they go from one to the next asking each if they have money. Then its hey dad do you have any money and I reply,"nope." Suddenly there is now more urgency to get jobs so they can do things. Its a struggle all parents go through, just a bit harder without a partner there for us who has our back. Keep doing the right thing and be there to soften the really hard blows, but don't shield er from them completely or she will never learn. Much like we have to do with allowing our spouses to go down their own paths.