Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do

I too struggle with this. I think your question is very on-point. I don't live very near family, so our dual-income house is very focused on balancing two adults' work and personal lives with kids' needs, and honestly it often comes out to the parents' detriment.

I wish there were more of a movement to re-create some of the 'it takes a village' mentality - not least because I'm selfish enough to want things for myself as an individual, not just a parent.

I allow my kids to plea their case anytime they disagree. They get one shot so i usually remind them of that and they usually disappear for a bit thinking their case through before coming back. Now i keep an open mind and hear there side on why whatever i just decided was unfair or why i was wrong.

If its a good case (or they argued it well) i change my mind. IF not then the answer is final. Period. There is never a second go. Now this seems harsh but you can't negotiate with terrorists. Once a decision is made the sooner they learn its whats happening the sooner they quit that trying to wear you down thing.

Spot on, before women worked (im not saying they shouldnt) one person could earn enough to buy most of the same houses we have today, yet now 2 people have to work to get any kind of basic progress. The toll it takes on children is clear, parents are too tired and therefore let their kids do whatever, the neglect creates the future generation of depressive, anxious adults who dont know their role.