I have learned through my many years that many caregivers simply do not want to confront their children. Some would rather pacify. Some choose to laugh at or ignore their child's behavior. They may choose to wait for more serious matters to occur thinking that they then will assert their parenting skills and take charge.

Unfortunately, many times this is much too late. Every incident that occurs that leaves the child in charge exasperates the situation. The challenge of regaining control for the parent has now become just that much more difficult to attain.

Many parents and/or guardians flat out just fear confrontation. They will avoid it at all lengths. They will justify not exercising proper control of their child every time because of this fear. This parental avoidance at a child's early age is detrimental. This lack of parental control, discipline, or whatever you choose to call it only leads to much more complicated disciplinary issues later in a child's development.

If the parent does not establish the rules, the structure and who is in control before adolescence, trying to do so during adolescence will prove to be quite frustrating and difficult for all involved. Compound this with the ongoing learning challenges that come along with learning disabilities and you have an extremely difficult situation.

Children need to understand at an early age exactly who is in charge. This should be done with consistency, firmness and with a good dose of love. A parent in control of the situation provides boundaries for a child.