Swiftwater Journey

Is it possible that as the so called Millennial’s become parents they are struggling with authority? A recent study gives insight and indicates that compared to the cohort that has been labeled Gen-X, Millennials are more authoritarian. There is a significant difference between parents who use a libertine and those who land on a more authoritarian parenting style. In many ways, kids respond the same to both of these extremes. A laissez-faire, anything goes parent and a tight-fisted, controlling parent get the same outcome: insecure, rebellious, truth-hiding, prone to laziness adolescent. Less we put the blame on the young person, we must pause and reflect on the impact of the way we parent. A better approach is to choose an authoritative stance, where mom and dad are still in charge, but their primary goal is help their son and daughter discover who they are [identity], what they are called to do [purpose], and where they fit in the adult world [belonging]. Authoritative parents raise kids who are secure and confident, willing to take risks, and engage in making the world a better place not only for themselves, but others.