ABSTRACT
The prerequisites for “power-with”—openness, trust, vulnerability, creativity, risk, emotional expression, honesty, giving before receiving—become impractical. Anyone who tries to maintain these ways of interacting is bound to lose what is now structured as a win-lose battle and perhaps be injured in the process. Adult power over children is unavoidable. It is used to protect children and maintain their well-being. It can be accompanied with explanations, negotiation, and fair demands made on everyone in the household, young and old. When programs are introduced in schools to help children learn to value themselves and think independently, a significant number of parents actively resist. Anyone who spends time in Native communities or communities made up of Third World people, sees children everywhere. When children decide to fight back, they sometimes learn to take every opportunity to grab a little power for themselves and use it to the limit.
