Allow my kids to talk back? Question my authority? Pass witty or snide comments about my choices? Should I allow that? I think I should. Yes, I know. You just shook your head and thought, "Poor woman. She is losing it." So let me explain myself and prove that my sanity is indeed intact. I am not an excessively permissive parent. I don't believe one needs to tread on eggshells around their kids.

That depends on who you talk to. Electronic gadgets seem to be a very touchy subject that elicit either awe or disdain. Some believe using tablets, video games and smart phones turn children in to addicted zombies while some others believe that merely using these devices makes your child a wiz kid.