Determining how to raise a child with both positive and negative reinforcements is tough. But what’s even tougher is deciding on how you choose to react to positive and negative behaviors overall.

In the example of a boss making a wrong move that you know will result in disaster, are you a go-along person because the majority will agree with the wrong move, or do you speak up and give reasons why a disaster is foreseeable? And do you go along with whatever a doctor tells you because you believe that doctors have to know what they’re talking about, or do you know that whatever is prescribed or procedure is called for will be detrimental to you (either because of past experience or because you researched before coming for advice). Any serious condition, procedure, or medication needs you to be proactive and get second and third opinions.

There are instances that do not pertain to you and cannot be modified by your actions, but even in gossiping about a celebrity or some wealthy figure, do you agree with everyone’s opinion to excuse bad behavior that should require an equal form of punishment? When it comes to ratifying what the legal community or celebrities do, can you say you follow the crowds because you believe that police officers are helpers and celebrities who entertain you can slip up once in a while?

These are the decisions you and others make that make up the norms of society.