Boundaries

  Today everyone has an opinion on what we should do to "minimize the risk to their psyche".  That's a pile of shit in giving kids more control, something they shouldn't have.  Remember the saying "because I said so".  Than the argument was over.  Now they think they can argue back.  The hell with that.  Debate yes, whine, pout, stomp their feet and cry.  Hell No.  Kids in most states are still considered property.  Granted it does not mean you can toss them out the window, throw them in the trash, etc (granted thinking such things does not make you bad, when you do such a thing, then it does make you an awful person).
  Kids need limits.  Kids who don't have limits placed on them will become delinquent in searching for those limits.  No child will know how to make a sandwich without you teaching them.  No Child will learn how to interact with people in positive ways if all they see is hitting, screaming, fighting and being allowed to do what they want when they want.  Kids mimic you right down to the clothes you wear and the food you eat.   Limits are placed on us for a reason.  Some are done to hinder us, others are to give us guidance in how we should behave.
  When placing limits on kids certain things are easy.  No, you may not jump off the roof.  As they get older those limits become  complicated and blurry as they start pushing those limits as hard and often as they can.  The question is, as a parent how strong are you able to place a barrier and reinforce that barrier consistently.  When you have shifting barriers your kids only learn how to manipulate you and others to push get what they want to instantly gratify themselves.  Picking your boundaries is the most important part of being a father.  Kids need structure they can rely on as they develop there own foundations they will rely on for the rest of their lives.  By not giving this consistent structure to your kids you limit their ability to become productive members of society with strong ethics to live by. 
  By indulging your kids (by giving in) every time they want something they come to expect you are to give them something say every time you go to the store.  Every time you give in to your kid they gain traction.  Is the traction they gain something positive that will help them later in life or is it traction toward being a bum in your basement?