The authority

I have sometimes heard the phrase: My mother gives me permission and she is the one who rules this house , the father is practically relegated to being just another person in the home and without influence in the family.

I think both the father and the mother should have equal influence in the home, and it's something that's easily achieved simply by talking and agreeing. Discipline and respect are all that's needed. That's my humble opinion.

The authority... can be exercised without force; sometimes, a look can be more influential than a reprimand. It's a matter of respect, of clearly defining each role within the family.