Does free will apply to children? If this is a free will universe, then why not?
Many people feel limited in their lives. For instance, many adults go to jobs daily that they claim they hate. But they still go. Many of those jobs involves bosses that are controlling and for the most part unbearable. So what does the worker decide to do upon returning home? Attempt to control and be unbearable to those that he/she feels are weaker. (“Do that because I said so!”) Usually children get the bounty of the ugliness after a day of parents giving the boss all they’ve got. So, children, in a nutshell, are “bossed” around, forced to fit in certain molds, and nagged out of their minds. The children are perfectly conditioned to fit into society because they are use to being told what to do and when to do it. The ones that ask the “why” are usually considered trouble makers.
So, parents have to really think about how much control they are exerting in their children lives. Of course, there are situations where parents have to maintain boundaries (like playing in traffic), but does every situation need approval/disapproval? Are we creating a society of drones, especially now with the increase of drugs for issues like autism or hyperactivity. One of biggest issues is that parents think that their child may do what they may have done as a child, although the parent tells the child that it is bad for them. This may, incidentally, actually drive the child to the very thing.
Our kids are much smarter and savvier than we give them credit for. What they need is guidance on how to use their mind effectively and the purpose of emotions among other things. Free schools are probably one of the best arenas for today’s “golden age kids”. Kids can explore what they want to explore when they want to explore it. True growth and freedom.
Finally, we are all unlimited beings and the younger we teach that the more powerful our children become, producing unlimited, powerful adults. True power forms from within and harms no one. Imagine a society filled with these beautiful beings. Well, conscious parenting is key.
P.S. If your child is an adult and you are still trying to parent ( i.e. manipulate and control), please stop…now.
Resources:
A New Earth-Eckhart Tolle
Leading Edge Parenting Show http://lawofattracttalkradio.com/parenting.html