[Future Snake Eater]

Being the oldest of seven, I try to explain this concept to my wife, the youngest (by a decade or so) of three. Of course, “she’s just tired” or she’s “strong-willed” or “she’s just a baby/toddler” is all I hear.

Interestingly, she’ll behave for me. She tends to walk all over mom.

[Popman]

Hope you can get Mom to see the light, 'cause learned manipulation will only get worse once the kid figures out two things: What Mom buttons to push to get their way and how to get around Dad

Having raised 6 kids one thing my wife and I did early on was to agree that whatever decision one parent made concerning the kids we would live by it. If we as parents disagreed, it was never in front of the kids so they could not think they could divide and conquer Always asked them "did you ask Mom/Dad and what was the answer" to make sure they did not shop around for the answer they wanted.

I know this sounds almost like a battle plan, but as you probably well know there are forces out their wanting to destroy our children and as parents we must be vigilant to protect them, even if think they think we are unreasonable and controlling