This is such an important question and it's really easy to confuse power and freedom. As we've shared, freedom is often about choices so if my child is pushing for a choice isn't the need freedom? The answer is not necessarily! So let me give you the easiest way to tell the difference between power and freedom.
According to Dr. William Glasser, a pioneer in understanding human behavior, all human beings have 5 genetic needs built into our DNA which we are always trying to fulfill. We’re a bit like vehicles in that sense. In the same way your car needs gas to run and oil to stay lubricated, so too do we have fundamental needs that are imperative to our survival as humans.
I truly believe we can prevent some of our children’s outbursts and challenging behaviours if we attune ourselves to their love language and consciously choose to love them in the way they are wanting to be loved.
The vision you have for your children and your relationship with them is like a compass, there to guide you in the direction you want to go. This blog and video give great examples of what a vision is and the difference it can make.