I'm getting you feel your parenting style is better. The thing is, unless hers is abusive or negligent, you each control only 50% of the parenting. If you feel she's abusive or negligent, act to take primary or full custody. If you feel she's not abusive or negligent, cultivate acceptance and appreciating other ways of doing things.
As for my kids and using knives in the kitchen, my approach falls in-between you two. I teach them safe knife usage, then leave it up to them to figure out their way or ask for my way. My S11 often asks for help and prefers tried-and-true techniques. My D16 often finds her own way and outperforms traditional ways.
"Safe" knife usage (to me) means they won't cut themselves if the blade slips.
Originally Posted by ToSmile
I warned they would cut themselves. She mentioned it's ok. Ended up cutting themselves.
Did they go to the ER for stitches or say "Ow!" and learn from it? Based on their age, their technique, and the task--did you believe there was a serious risk of amputation or nicking an artery?
