This is the way that I look at things like this.
My oldest is almost 16. My house is NOT a dictatorship. Yes, my husband and I are the adults, however, my children live here also, and they DO put in as much work into making this a home as we do. In the end, the last line of decisions are me and my husband, but I think its very mean to never take the childs feelings into considerations, especially if they are helping out more than is expected, putting stuff off (like going to college) to help out with things that aren't technically on their shoulders, etc etc.
I understand the feelings, I've had the same ones you are talking about, but I also stop and think...what does this teach my kids? By taking the "its ALWAYS MY WAY" attitude, I feel it teaches them to be selfish and inconsiderate when I want to SHOW them to not be. So, there are times I chuck my own wants (not needs, wants) because of the message I want to teach my children. Especially if I have made them a promise. Do I really want to teach them that its OK to break a promise because I can't put aside my feelings for a want.
I hope my meaning is getting across, I'm not saying that I'm not the parent, but I see nothing wrong with making sure they are taken into consideration when making a choice. I also know how frustrating that can be at times too. :hug: