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Is it a good idea to compromise with your kids?

I read somewhere that if you and your child don't agree on something it is a good idea to ask them to come up with possible compromises until you both agree. It said that it teaches kids to problem solve and learn how to resolve conflict with mutual respect. This idea makes sense to me, however I wonder whether this is giving kids too much power for their age.

Update:

Thanks for your answers everyone! Most of you made really good points that I agree with - that's why it's taken so long for me to choose a best answer. :)

I think that age and maturity do make a difference, as John said. I tried it with my 4 year old and I found that even though it did help her with disagreements with her friends, she has also become really good at arguing with my husband and I and trying to convince us to compromise for things that shouldn't be open to discussion. She'll probably make a good lawyer :). I may have shown her that I respect her, but she seems to have less respect for my opinion.

Update 2:

In hind sight, I think it would have been better, since she is still so young to suggest she come up with compromises when for disagreements with her friends/cousins rather than with me, as a parent, and to model respect and compromise when my husband and I disagree.

I've found that giving my 4 year old plenty of age-appropriate choices to make and letting her solve her own problems is usually enough to show her I respect her opinion.

As she gets older and more mature, and it has been well established who's boss, it might be OK to let her come up with compromises more often (perhaps when she is in her teens and will soon be an adult).

I also don't think parents should be dictators, but like KittenMitten said, we should listen to our children's opinions and make the final decisions keeping their feelings in mind.

10 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    Personally I do not agree with that, maybe as an alternative if all else fails, but I believe the better thing which is the more difficult, but better parenting would be this:

    To talk to them, show them, some how make them see the error in their thinking and your say is final. I however am not saying they can not voice their opinion, by all means that is a must...actually it helps you to understand how and why they are coming to the conclusions they have. Which in turn helps you guide them to what is right or wrong about it.

    A child should respect the parents opinion with out compromising.

    This is just my thought/opinion because, every child is different, each has his or her own unique personality and every situation is different, especially according to the age and temperament of the child, but I feel this is a good over all general rule that can First be applied before relying on other alternatives....

  • 1 decade ago

    it depends on wut u're trying to compromise on. of course there r some things that shouldn't be allowed at all without any kinds of agreement, but certain things are good to compromise on.

    besides it teaching kids problem solving and all, it also makes them respect u more as their parent bc they see u as a reasonable person who's not closed minded, they'll be able to open up to u more, which could be a benefit in the future, like if ur child might get into drugs, instead of hiding it from u, they just might actually say something to u and ask for help.

  • 1 decade ago

    It depends on what you're compromising about. Cleaning their room after the movie maybe. Fighting with their siblings or staying out too late no.Eating veggies instead of ice cream no. It just depends. I compromise with my kids about the little stuff often. None of the rules though. When I was a teenager I compromised with my parents occasionally about curfew and when and where I could drive. It just depends on what you'r etrying to teach them.

  • 1 decade ago

    to me the whole thing you are the parent and the child is the child. but i believe in that sometimes children should be able to come up with their own decisions about there life. this shows them that you trust them with their decision and also it helps them learn. With that being said not everything is up for discussion. being the parent you should know if they have a say or not

  • John F
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    It depends on their age and maturity. Letting kids decide how to run their lives isn't a good idea, but strict dictator-like parenting will lead to rebellion later in life. Find a happy medium that works with your kid.

  • 1 decade ago

    I think it should be "open to discussion". I think I've heard Dr. Phil say it's a good idea also. As long as your kid is doing it in a respectful way and not arguing.

  • sheila
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    sure it's fine, but you have to take individual situations into account. You are the parent and you know what is best, but at the same time it is not going to hurt them to have some control over their own lives.

    Something that helps is to avoid saying no if you don't really mean it.

  • 1 decade ago

    I think you should let them compromise.

    You aren't giving them power you are just giving them say.

    Giving them power would be giving them ultimate say in all decisions.

    Just remember being a kid and having no say, how that feeling of no control whatsoever felt horrible.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    yes

    your supposed to raise them to live in the real world

    but most parents seem to be dictators

    if you compromise with your child (espically teens) they will respect you alot more for it

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Ya compromising with children is very good and usefull.

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