Highest Common Denominator
You've heard the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," right? Yes, yes, I've heard it, too. This is my take on that phrase. Never, ever should I lower my own standards. Never. However, if I'm with someone whose standards are stricter than mine, I abide by them. This is especially true when we involve children.
One of my sisters eats no chocolate. She doesn't let her kids have chocolate. So, when I'm with her, I serve no chocolate. I guess I'm not that strict about it because if someone else brings a chocolate dish, I'll eat it. But as for what I bring, I figure there are plenty of foodstuffs out there that don't have chocolate in them. So many options. I can easily choose something non-chocolaty when we're together.
My brother- and sister-in-law don't let their kids watch any television. We don't see each other that often and I think it's such a small thing to go without t.v. for a week when we're together. I can make it easy for their children to obey their family rules. It's so frustrating to be the only strict mom in a large group. I know how that feels. I think it's common courtesy to uphold someone else's rules when you're together.
I really appreciate it when people respect my family's rules. My oldest son was invited to a party recently. Knowing that we are fairly strict (depending on the comparison), the mother messaged me to ask if a certain movie was acceptable. It was. She made it clear that if it wasn't okay with me, her son would choose something else to do. How great is it when people can respect each other that way! I love it.
The concessions I make are very simple and hardly affect my family at all. Hopefully, I can make it easier for other parents if I respect their family rules while we are together. I am certainly grateful when my friends do that for me.
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