Microtheme

Less Strict  

I had it tougher than my younger siblings. I was never able to get away with anything, yet, that’s all my younger siblings seem to do. I asked some of my friends who also have younger siblings, and they seem to agree. What are the consequences of parents being less strict with the younger children?

One of the consequences of being less strict with the younger children is that they might become more rebellious than their older siblings. Because they might not have the same constraints, they might feel like they can get away with a lot of things, which can lead them to participate in bad behaviors. Another consequence is that they might end up taking advantage of their parents. They might manipulate the parents and have them counter argue about something, or lie about what they do. Another consequence is that the parents might slowly lose control over their children. Because the parents might not have shown their full power and control that they can have over their children at an early age, the children might not take the parents seriously when they do try to control them in their adolescent years. This might lead the children to think that they have control and might eventually ignore what their parents have to say.

Talking to parents about the possible consequences of being less strict with their younger children is uncomfortable. But, if we overcome that uncomfortable state, they can become aware and reflect on their parenting.