In an open environment, you’re free to express your authentic Self. You can talk about what you see, hear, feel, and think. There aren’t forbidden topics, like sex or money. A parent’s shortcoming or failure isn’t hidden, but instead teaches human frailty — that parents aren’t perfect. Dissent isn’t silenced, and family decisions and values may be questioned and debated. Although all feelings are allowed expression, verbal abuse isn’t tolerated, and not all actions are permissible.
