We all want our children to stand up for themselves, to make sure they are of a strong character and to voice their opinion, but there is a fine line between having an opinion and becoming very opinionated.
That is where the key to becoming a good parent lies.
In order for children to protect themselves throughout their lives they must learn to be able to verbally stand up for themselves but without being cheeky or antagonistic.
We also want to teach them this properly, and it can be very tricky.
On the one hand you want them to say when they feel they have been wronged, but on the other hand you do not want them to answer you back when it is not appropriate.
This is a difficulty that a lot of parents have, with some letting their children answer them back thinking it will make them stronger, but it can also have an adverse effect.
Answering back when in school or employment is not considered good manners.
As children, they need to take a certain amount of criticism as long as it is constructive without the need to verbally start defending themselves.
In order for you to teach your child where the line is when verbally standing up for themselves you have to be firm and yet fair and above all teach your child to have respect for others especially for their elders.
Having learnt to have respect for people in authority, for example a teacher or a policemen, will serve any child well.
As long as they have respect they will learn when is the best time and how to voice their opinion without sounding cheeky or talking back and this is one of the greatest gifts of parenting that you can give to your child.