With my parents they would listen we were brought up to debate what we thought was right or wrong. And yes my parents always had the final word.

One day at the dinner table my mother told my brother and me that she was going into have surgery the next day. I was about 15 at the time. I told them that I wanted to go and sit in the hospital and wait with my dad. They of course told me no! Then I told them that they taught us to tell them why we think we should be able to do things. And they both got quiet and listened as I explained that if it was me that was going in to have surgery then they would both want to be there to make sure every thing went ok. Then I went on to tell them, I know I am not the parent but I know you both are, and I don't think it is fair if I can not sit and wait at the hospital to make sure my mom is ok after her surgery. They both agreed that I had a very valid point and they took me out of school the next day and off to the hospital we went. Sitting in a hospital for 12 hours just isn't fun but at least I knew my mom was ok and didn't have to sit through my classes worried about it, and not being able to do my best at my school work. That was the best bedate that I ever made agaisnt my parents and my mother still talks about it to this day!

Katie