Either way children often reflect the world they live in, parents, siblings, their peer group all in an attempt to establish their sense of self. One might call it a call of nature as conscious beings and as such we have the capacity to think for ourselves. Whether they are 4 or 14, they are constantly trying to prove themselves, you might call it an emotional intelligent survival instinct that should be paid attention to. The core to all human relationships is developing an on-going ability to be present to each other, observe more and say less, aim to influence and not control or manipulate. Ask questions instead of telling and allow for them to make mistakes. Sometimes, providing it isn’t a life or death situation, we simply have to let go so they can find their way.