In the Heinisch home our children are all allowed to ask questions on any decision that we make in regards to them. Doug and I believe that they should learn how to respectfully question authority, rather than just roll over and accept everything that every adult ever tells them. We hope this makes them a more productive and responsible adult. One that is not afraid to ask a doctor for clarification before taking a new medication or to ask for help at work if they need it. We believe that learning to communicate is a very important life skill that all children need to develop. For most it doesn't come naturally.
Thus, it is extremely hard for us to watch when one of our children is not being treated in the same respectful manner that we treat them. If one of them comes to us with a question, we do not scream at them for asking it. We try and answer it in a way that they can understand. That doesn't mean that the Heinisch children all get their own way. They are told no, but they are never told, "because I said so" or "go ahead and cry about it." I do not understand why some adults do not realize that children are people with emotions just as adults. Just because they are smaller or younger it does not give any adult the right to belittle or humiliate them.
My heart breaks for those that have to deal with situations such as these day in and day out. I am glad that the Heinisch children (and their friends) know that this a safe home where their opinions will be respected and that they are worthy of all of the love we can show them. I wish that everyone could view it the same way.
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