But since there are so many occasions when our child's will must be subservient to ours, we should avoid making an issue over nonessential things. That will avoid unnecessary personality clashes that upset the serenity of the household. We parents have an uncanny way of making major issues out of trivialities and blowing potential dangers all out of proportion. We can allow some latitude in matters such as the neatness of their rooms, the clothing styles they prefer, and the places we allow them to explore with their friends. Our repressiveness or overprotectiveness, whichever it is, only creates other dangers which backfire on us in time.
Unenforced rules produce the same kind of tension and turmoil as no rules at all.
With small children particularly, it would be far better to work on just a few rules, and when they are mastered, progress to a few more. Second, be sure the children understand the rules and why they exist. This is the way God deals with us. In his Word he clearly defines our responsibilities to him. Just so, we need to let our children know specifically what the limits are.