Hi Reader In the past, parental authority was rarely questioned. Kids did what they were told—because if they didn’t, there were consequences (sometimes even physical ones). Obedience was expected, and fear often kept children in line. But today, we’ve swung to the opposite extreme. Many children now show little to no respect for parental authority—or for any authority, for that matter. And while some see this as progress toward freedom and autonomy, it’s actually harming our kids in deep and lasting ways. When authority is missing, unclear, or inconsistent, children don’t thrive. They flounder. And the entire family dynamic begins to unravel. Here Are 8 Problems That Arise When Authority Is Missing:⚖️ 1. Lack of Boundaries and StructureChildren don’t know what’s expected. This creates anxiety and emotional instability, even if they act like they want total freedom. 🧠 2. Delayed Development of Self-RegulationKids learn to regulate emotions by first experiencing external structure. Without it, they struggle to manage frustration, impulses, and disappointment. 😠 3. Increased Behavioral ProblemsMore defiance, more tantrums. Not because they’re “bad”—but because no one is clearly in charge. 💬 4. Constant Negotiation and Power StrugglesEverything becomes a debate. Parents feel exhausted and disrespected. Kids feel entitled and confused. 🌪 5. Emotional InsecurityKids don’t feel safe when no one is leading. It can feel like abandonment, and may result in anxiety, clinginess, or even emotional shutdown. 🧍♂️ 6. Weak Moral DevelopmentWithout strong, value-based leadership, kids struggle to internalize right and wrong. They depend on external validation and become unsure of themselves. 🚫 7. Overidentification with Peers or ScreensIn the absence of adult leadership, kids turn to peers, TikTok, or YouTube to find out who they should be. And we lose our influence when they need it most. 🪞 8. Low Frustration Tolerance and EntitlementWithout the experience of hearing “no” and learning to wait, kids expect instant gratification and become easily discouraged when life doesn’t go their way. 🧭 In Summary:When authority is lacking, kids may feel powerful—but not protected. They don’t need us to control them—but they do need us to lead them. Parental authority isn’t about domination. It’s about grounded, benevolent leadership. It’s about creating safety, setting the tone, and being the steady compass in a chaotic world. And That’s Exactly What My Upcoming Program Is Designed to Help You DoThis fall, I’ll be launching a brand-new parenting program that gives you everything you need to reclaim your authority—not in a top-down, authoritarian way, but in a grounded, flexible, open-hearted way. You’ll learn how to:
This Is Where You Come In 💬Before I finalize the program details, I need your feedback to shape this for YOU. Would you take a moment to answer a few quick questions?
Would $400 / $800 / $1200 feel like a fair investment? 👉 Simply reply to this email and share your thoughts. I’m listening. I’m building this with you in mind. Let’s raise kids who feel loved, guided, and grounded—and let’s do it without losing our authority or ourselves in the process. With heart and wisdom, Efrat |
Our educational system often falls short, focusing on subjects that lack relevance for our children's futures. This approach can breed a disdain for learning and lead them away from their passions, disconnecting them from their true paths. The Alternative Parenting podcast aims to address this gap by exploring the essential skills, tools, and traits necessary for our kids to thrive and find fulfillment in life. Join my weekly newsletter where I will inform you on new episodes of the podcast where we delve into how to empower our children to pursue their interests, dreams, and create lives rich with purpose and meaning.
Hi Reader, As we pause for Labor Day, I’ve been reflecting on what this holiday really represents. It’s not only about barbecues or the end of summer—it’s about honoring the dignity of work and the people who make our communities thrive. For me, that connects deeply to parenting. One of our greatest tasks as parents is teaching our children the value of effort: that meaningful things take time, energy, and perseverance. When kids learn to contribute—whether it’s helping with a family chore,...
Hi Reader, I recently started my own YouTube channel—and wow, it’s such a learning curve! This digital world has been full of highs and lows: days when I’m motivated and excited, and days when I feel like giving it all up. It really is an emotional rollercoaster. One of the things keeping me going is knowing that my kids are watching my every move. I share the little wins—like gaining just one more subscriber 🤗—and the losses too, like when a video gets no views at all. This week I was...
Hi Reader Are you overwhelmed and exhausted? Do your kids constantly need your attention, leaving you with no time for yourself? If so, you’re not alone. Many mothers quietly give up on themselves for the sake of their children. Why? Because we’ve been taught to believe that a “good mom” sacrifices everything. She shows up at every game, makes the healthy snacks, reads to her kids every night, kisses them first thing in the morning, and pushes through even when she’s unwell — and never stops....