Being Friends With Your Child Is Not Bad Parenting
Start writing a post

Being Friends With Your Child Is Not Bad Parenting

Warnings and lectures are not needed all the time, but instead a patient smile and a warm hug can be just as helpful.

8
Being Friends With Your Child Is Not Bad Parenting
Personal Photo

I have heard adults say "my parent said we could only be friends when I could legally drink." The meaning behind this saying is that some parents choose to strictly fill a parent position rather than a friend until the child is grown up. Many parents mostly agree with this because they believe that keeping the relationship more formal is better.

I definitely believe that all parents should maintain a parental role. I have always been blessed with amazing parents. They were strict and disciplinary when they had to be and also taught me how to have manners and respect. However, they were not just my parents, but they were also my friends.

Sometimes, I just needed a non-judging ear to listen to me. Warnings and lectures are not needed all the time. A patient smile and a warm hug can be just as helpful. When children grow up with parents who don't offer a safe feeling as friends do, those children won't see their parents as people who they can turn to.

Parents should always feel like a safety net. Children should feel like they have a place to go to when they're scared. That's why it's not bad parenting to be friends with your children. In fact, I think it's necessary sometimes. I can't tell you how many times I have ranted to my parent about drama or just wept silently in their arms. I did those things because my parents are also my friends. They were in the moments I needed them to be.

As everyone knows, it's tough growing up in this world. It's tough growing up, period. Friends make that part of life a whole lot easier. A lot of those times, those growing children find friends in their parents, and that is perfectly healthy and okay.

Of course, it's definitely unhealthy for parents to solely act as friends toward their children. Children must have that authoritative figure in their lives to tell them how to behave, act, and grow up into a successful adult, but they need more than that sometimes. They need to see their parents as a safety person, as a friend. It is not bad parenting to be friends with your children. It is essential.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

Find out how this TikTok star gets women excited about science!

1541
Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

How it all began

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

22 Songs To Use For Your Next GoPro Video

Play one of these songs in the background for the perfect vacation vibes.

307379
Pexels

We've all seen a Jay Alvarez travel video and wondered two things: How can I live that lifestyle and how does he choose which song to use for his videos?

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

13 Roleplay Plots You Haven't Thought Of Yet

Stuck on ideas for a roleplay? Here you go!

411713
13 Roleplay Plots You Haven't Thought Of Yet
Pixabay

One thing that many creators know is that fun to have characters and different universes to work with but what's the point if you have nothing to do with them? Many people turn to roleplay as a fun way to use characters, whether they're original or from a fandom. It'd a fun escape for many people but what happens when you run out of ideas to do? It's a terrible spot to be in. So here are a few different role play plot ideas.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Deep in the Heart of Texas

A Texan's responsibilities when introducing an out-of-stater to Texas culture.

2995

While in college, you are bound to be friends with at least one person who is not from Texas. Now Texas is a culture of its own, and it is up to you to help introduce them to some good ole Texas traditions during their time here. Show your friends that famous Southern hospitality!

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Marching Through March

Some appreciation for the month of March.

3552
Pexels

I love the entire year. Well, for the most part. I'm not a big fan of Winter, but even then, every month has something that's pretty great. November? Thanksgiving. December? Winter Holidays. January? New Year's. February? Valentine's and Single Awareness Day. May? Existential dread during finals. But for me, March has always been my favorite month of the year, and for good reason.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments