The pause can be a great strategy for parents in all facets of their kids lives. When your son trips and falls, do you need to rush over? Can you pause and let him figure out how hurty is first,. or whether he wants to or needs to cry? In her book, bringing up bebe, pamela druckerman talks about the pause as the secret to french parenting. Remember that iron sharpens iron. Resistance builds muscle. They'll be better for it.