What mean to be parent who is trying to be their child's friend?

Question

What mean to be parent who is trying to be their child's friend?

Answer 1

I believe it's possible to be both. I am a parent first and foremost but I am also a friend not only to my daughter but to her friends as well. Children (especially teenagers) need to be able to talk to an adult figure. My daughter knows that she can always talk to me about anything. We have a system. If it's something that she feels uncomfortable talking about, she let's me know that we need to have a special talk. That means that she can say whatever she needs to say and I will respond as a friend first. That way she can speak freely without fear. I agree that I will not get mad at whatever she says and she will not be punished. After the talks we discuss what actions need to be taken. I have the same agreement with her friends. They can come to me with anything without fear of me going to their parents. With the exception of pregnancy or drugs, in which case they would have 1 week to tell their parents or I would (I would offer to be with them when they talked to their parents if they needed the support).

Answer 2

It depends on who you ask.  I am my son's friend.  I get down on the floor to play, run around the backyard, and act silly with him.  But I'm his mom first and his friend second.  While I want to have fun with him, his safety and well being are more important than having him like me.  I think it's a good balance for our family.  My son and I are extremely close, and that bond will help us later on to feel comfortable talking to me about difficult subjects.

To others, being a child's friend means letting the kids do whatever they want.  The parents may buy the kids anything they ask for, let them drink, party, stay out late, etc.  All that matters to such parents is being "cool" in their children's eyes.  If you ask me, it's irresponsible and absolutely foolish.  It's perfectly fine to be a child's friend, as long as you put your role as the responsible parent first.

Answer 3

It means they aren't being a very good parent,you cant be your child's friend if you want to be a good parent.

Answer 4

I'm a mom first and foremost. It's not a popularity contest and parents that just want to be "friends" with their kids are playing a very dangerous game. Kids need to have boundaries and guidelines from their parents. My kids aren't always necessarily going to like me for the decisions I have to make, but as their mom, it's my job!