As parents, we typically follow models we ourselves experienced as children. And our culture is happy to reinforce certain models over others. Some models lead us towards neglectful permissiveness; others towards destructive authoritarianism; others to a productive balance. Education is the best intervention to find that happy middle ground. Learning about development, and the best ways to support it, help us become partners with our children and not obstacles. Compassionately reflect on how your models are not serving you or the children. Identify what you want to do differently. And practice new ways of acting and reacting ‘the next time’.