A Jewish home is not a democracy, where every member in the family has equal say in every matter. A child is obligated by the Torah to listen to her parents. But neither is a Jewish home a dictatorship, where parents dictate every detail and decision in the child’s life.

In truth, a Jewish home is not even a hybrid of a dictatorship and democracy. The role of a parent is to be a mechanech—an educator—and as such, to help the child grow and learn how to make the right decisions on her own.

The Rebbe writes in a letter: "Especially in our times, it isn’t the correct approach to direct and command each step a child takes. Even if the parent is one hundred percent sure he is right, he need not direct each aspect of his child’s life."

Thoughtstream: Today, I will give my child space to make some personal decisions.

(Adapted from Igrot Kodesh, vol. 28, pg. 82.)