[tracilicious]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

I have a good friend who was raising her three kids in much the manner and philosophy that Traci is. It hasn't worked out as well as she thought. I'm not saying it won't for Traci- truth be told, it's very early in the game for her and her family. There are, as with any sort of parenting philosophy, so many variables that could upset the apple cart. I don't even pretend to have a plan, other than teaching my kid to treat people as she'd like to be treated, realise that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and just because one is better at something does not mean that they are superior beings. We engage in mild forms of competition, such as video or board games, but don't really play any sports except dance, which is not at all competitive at this point.

I could say the same about so many mainstream parents. I think the variables thing is the key. I really don't want to come off as sounding like I think I know everything about parenting. All I know is that as often as humanly possible I will work with my kids instead of doing something to them, and instead of punishing and rewarding I will teach. I'm not sure how that can go wrong.