Parental Authority.

 In a recent blog I conveyed the opinion that parental authority is what provides a child with the knowledge and enthusiasm to obide by society's laws, rules and triditions. In general parental authority is a blend of power and ligitimacy, it is the ligitimate power to prevail over the will of one's children and then teach and influence them.
By way of definition a German sociologist, Max Weber, identified three ways in which people attain authority: The first is Tridition, i.e., social customs. The second is Legality,i.e., laws and rules, The third is Spiritual, i.e., devine guidance.
A tridition in my family has been "The Sunday Dinner". It's an event attended by parents, grandparents and the children. During dinner much is discussed and much is learned, frequently discussions last until long after dessert is served.
I believe it is the family and parental authority that brings trust and moral values into the next generations.