42 - I agree entirely. Learning to problem-solve effectively means taking responsibility for their actions and behaviour. It also involves making decisions and learning to live with the results of those decisions. Choice is a good thing (most of the time) but knowing when it is a child's choice is the responsibility of the parent.

Too often parents think they have to "protect" their children from the logical consequences of their own actions or make excuses for them.

Exceptionally good parents also teach their children to set goals and the steps necessary to achieve them.