Comments on: What’s Your Control Freak Factor?

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:47:33 +0000

Excellent point, Sandie. It’s not easy to learn to trust our children; after all the job originally calls for us to do everything for them. The transition from that to letting them do everything on their own is a big one.

By: What You Should Be Reading | Geeked Off!

What You Should Be Reading | Geeked Off! — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:13:42 +0000

[...] sense of humor about parenting (a must have with that many boys in the house). Her latest post, What’s Your Control Freak Factor, struck a cord with me. I find that my best days as a parent are the ones where I let MonkeyBoy [...]

By: Sandie Law

Sandie Law — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:59:37 +0000

My husband will tell you I’m a control freak. I like to know what’s going on and make sure everything goes well. However, I’ve found that my best days as a parent are the days where I let go of the reins and let my son take charge. For me, it’s about trust…and don’t we all want our kids to grow up knowing what trust is?

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 03:49:53 +0000

Crissy, I guess that makes me a 4 or a 5. I do let the younger boys go out when I can’t see them, assuming their older brothers are close by. I can trust them to stay in our yard unsupervised as well, but it’s pretty sheltered here. They’re allowed to go to the neighbors if big brothers are there, but not allowed to swim in the neighbor’s pool. Chores and house stuff I do the same as you, although I do let them pour a full apple juice (not milk - too heavy).

Michelle, sheesh I don’t know what I’d rate you. 5 maybe? I’m not as familiar with how you handle the going outside stuff. You tend to have things more structured than me - which works for your family. I don’t know if that necessarily makes you a control freak or just keeps you at “more structured”.

By: Michelle (The Beartwinsmom)

Michelle (The Beartwinsmom) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:19:34 +0000

I don’t know what I’d rate myself.. This is great food for thought, Amy. You always come up with such great ideas. So, how would you rate me?

The boys are pouring their own milk here, too. Sometimes they’ll even fix their own breakfast (granted, it’s a bagel w/ cream cheese or butter, but still, they’re learning.)

And, if we don’t let our kids try to do something, how will they ever learn? You have to practice, make mistakes, and then learn. Learning is messy.