Family Authority

Last Thursday, in class Professor Hollist discussed the patterns of family authority.  There were 3 types, the matriarchy, patriarchy, and equilitarian.  In my family, I believe it was an equilitarian, which is when the authority and power are shared between both parents.  However, my dad always played the harsh disciplinarian role, while my mom would discipline but comfort my siblings and I at the same time.  I think about how I will parent my children in the future and also hope to have an equilitarian so one of the parents does not have to be the "bad guy."  It would not be fair for one of the parents to have to do all the disciplinary stuff because then the kids will distance themselves from that parent, so I think a balance in necessary.  Parents may need to communicate about these issues before they have kids or even after and more than once, but I believe it is worth it!