Article March 8, 1993 Issue

Democracy—in our family?

Everyone in the family has equal rights before God.

Kristin Buschmann

Original in German

Just as the call has sounded in many parts of the world for democracy, for self-determination, and for equal rights for minorities in society, so, too, this development has been felt for some time in individuals' relations with each other.

Over the years, there has been a move away from an authoritarian pattern of child-rearing. Many families have made an effort to cultivate mutual respect, an understanding for each person's individual needs and inclinations, and a readiness to live together constructively. But despite our good intentions, great differences of opinion between parents and children sometimes arise. Whether on important decisions like career choice or in everyday trivialities such as whether the toy should be put away right now or later, these disagreements can leave sadness and disappointment in their wake.

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