“But we do know that sometimes children need help in saying no.”

A thought by Zig Ziglar (2003-01-01) from his book, Zig Ziglar's Life Lifters (p. 7). B&H Publishing. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is so true. 

Zig goes on to say, “I'm convinced that what kids need today are parents—not buddies. They need someone who will exercise mature judgment. Kids instinctively know—although they will argue to the contrary—that they really are not mature enough to make good decisions on some important issues. Like I say—they don't want a buddy at home. They want a mom and dad who love them enough to say no when no really is the best answer for the child. Yes, when the motive is love, even if the child doesn't fully understand, your decision will eventually be accepted.”

Such good advice.

Zig tells of a time he had with his daughter.  She wanted to go out with some friends but Zig said, “No” and of course initially she had a problem with the no. 

Zig in telling the story said, “I went on to explain that I loved her too much to permit her to jeopardize her reputation or possibly even her life. She stood, lips quivering, for a moment, then literally jumped forward, grabbed me, gave me a big hug and kiss, and said, ‘Thank you, Daddy! I really didn't want to go anyhow.’ I have no idea what she told her friends, but the important thing is that she was able to blame me and save face with the kids in the car.”

He then says, “My wife, the Redhead, and I have had the experience of different ones of our children saying loudly on the phone, ‘Let me ask my parents,’ and then as they held the phone high in the air to catch our response they signaled us wildly to say no to their request. We have no idea how many times they wanted us to say no because they didn't want to be put in bad circumstances or how many times they just didn't want to do what was being asked. But we do know that sometimes children need help in saying no.”

He then ends this section with a very good thought.  He said, “Be there for your kids. Later, when you need them, they'll be there for you.”

So are you a buddy or a parent?