They have to feel some sense of ownership and power in what is happening, but I am still the parent in charge.  So giving them choices throughout their day is our solution.  It seems simple enough, and I know many others do this as well, but we really make a conscious effort to use them all the time.  

She has mannequins decorating her front yard, rides a Gator ATV, can use a shotgun just as well as a sewing machine, and would rather go dancing than sit in a rocking chair.

It’s Grandparents' Day, the time of year when we are thankful for the extra people in our lives or our kids’ lives.   My parents are absolutely amazing grandparents, and I don’t know what we’d do without them.