My parents were this same way. I had two older brothers and I was the baby. I had very few rules and most of what kept me out of trouble was seeing the trouble that my brothers got in. I knew what I better not do, because I saw them not because I was told the rules. I am with you and try hard to communicate more with my kids.
Speaking of communicating about the rules, the most frustrating thing my parents, mostly my dad, ever said to me was, "because I said so." I think that, most of the time, saying, "because I said so," makes your child miss out on a learning opportunity. I try to tell my children why I expect what I do from them.
I agree. It is great to explain to my children the whys behind what we are asking of them, but there are also times that they must just do it, because we say so, without question.
I know I am late to this discussion, but my mom had the clean your plate rule too and it drove me crazy. She would set a timer for 30 min and the food had to be eaten by then. I think that is why I have had trouble with my weight as an adult. My kids have to try one or two bites of everything and don't have to eat it if they don't like it. After awhile, they end up liking everything. I never make them finish their plate. They can eat as little or as much as they want to!!!
