Kids want all sorts of crap, what they need is discipline and direction lest they grow up to be complete losers.

My version: “If you need it, I’ll get it. Always. If you just want it, then go buy it. It’s not your birthday, or christmas, and you haven’t got any teachers singing your praises right now.”

Let them figure out what direction they want to take in life AFTER they turn 18 and move out of your house. Provide structure and strength because free will is not for the weak-minded.

My version: “We have rules you don’t like because the world has rules you won’t like, and it’s easier to hate them now and get over it, than hate them later and get fired.”

The average person can only handle so much freedom before they figure out their parents just don’t give a damn.

My version: “You’re problems are my problems. I hate problems, so we’re going to fix this.”

Kids need boundaries so they have something to rebel against anyway.

My version: “I’m fully aware of the fact that, within the next two years, you’ll start to hate me, and that this will continue for the following 4 to 6 years. I’m okay with that. It happens, ask my dad. I’m still not changing the rules.”

Good stuff at bad sam.

I don’t know if he’ll thank me later — I suppose I hope he does.