I've told my students over the years, that there is always a choice but be prepared for the consequences. If you don't do your homework, I don't really care. But do not have your mom come in here whining because you got a C on the test. Because I will make you turn to her and say "I chose to get a C because I didn't do my work, study or pay attention."
Granted... most of our kids here would probably still get the A...
For me, character building is learning to be able to understand the choice, recognize the consequences of all the possibilities and make a decision.
I agree with Kriston- I don't like kids who follow blindly because an adult told them to do it. We actively teach DS to question authority, to argue for what he wants and to engage in the world around him. Does it make for heated discussions in our house? Absolutely. But you know what? Sometimes he's right and I'm the one being stubborn...
