What is the mother’s right over her children and the children’s right over their mother, what are the limits of obedience to the mother, when does the final decision rest with the father, and how can the mother express her desire for personal freedom?

The rights of the mother over her child include loving and revering her, caring for her and looking after her affairs, not harming her, spending on her if she is in need, obeying her in what is good, performing any expiations she owes and giving charity on her behalf after her death, and maintaining ties with those whom she used to maintain ties.

The rights of the child over his mother include looking after his affairs as a child and raising him with a sound upbringing.

As for the mother's interference in her son's permissible affairs, she does not have the right to choose what he likes in terms of food, clothing, or vehicle. However, parents must monitor their children's comings and goings and their companions for fear of bad company. The son should obey his parents even if they restrict him in some permissible matters, as obedience here is an act of sacrifice and altruism.

The final decision rests with the father in all matters that are his responsibility towards the son, such as education and the use of his possessions. As for an independent son, he decides for himself what he wishes, while being keen to please his father as long as it does not conflict with obedience to Allah.

The son can inform his mother of his desire for more freedom in word and deed by proving to her his ability to bear responsibility and discussing it with her calmly and logically.