What do you think about parents that are trying to be their child's friend instead of the parent? My sister in law is this way and then she wonders why the kids grew up and did what they wanted to. She wasn't there to be a parental figure instead tried to dress like the kids and hang out with them.

I think there is a fine line between being a parent and a friend to your child. Of course I think you should be your child's friend, but also the parent.

I totally agree. While being friendly to our children is very important, we must also be an authority figure in their lives. I believe that the discipline has more priority than friendship especially with kids who are between 5-12. When we are too friendly and not firm enough with them, some children tend to believe they can get away with pretty much anything, which is a false sense of freedom for them.

I agree, but I also think it's important to be the parent in their teenage years too. Let them know that they can come to you with anything (open relationship) but that there are rules and what you say goes.

That is so true. My boys are now 21 and 18. I have always had an open relationship with them. I have sat in the livingroom with them with their friends and talked or watched TV. All their friends call me mom. We talk about anything and everything. But they know as they have all their lives that I am MOM. We can play ,talk, whatever. But you better follow my rules. Even now that thye are adults they live at home. They still have rules to follow but they still like to hang with mom

I think it has to be a balance. It's great if you can be a friend to the child, especially when they are in their teenage years. But, there are just times when you have to be the parent even if it is not popular with your child.

Hi!
I am really in favour of those parents who are friendly to their children.Especially when they are at this crucial stage of life.I mean, the teenagers are to be treated in a very delicate manner.They need real friends so that they can share their problems.If at home itself, they will get then why to search outside.

Parents should try to be friendly with the kids but it shouldnt instill such a feeling of freedom that the kids no longer feel that they are parents.,ie a parent should make sure that the child dont take advantage of this friendliness..and always have a control on thim till they are mature enough..

till what age do you think this should be the case?

lol

In my opinion being friendly or showing care and love is part of parenting.

both parents and the child must respect each others space and boundaries.

Parents are our well wishers through out our life..

agreed. but you said 'control' the children. I was asking how long
should they 'control' the children? Are you saying children never
get mature enough in a lifetime?

what is the point if kids think parents are friends its ok to be friendly but to let kids thinks parents are friends might lead them to think friends are parents

and btw until what age do you suggest the control thing ?

Busybee on a roll today.... you go girl

hehe .................

@farce:
I said control in the aspect of being a guiding light.. In case of children., if they get too much freedom from parents they tend to misuse it..Thats what i was trying to say..

for Differnt ages, its diffeernt needs of control.. First they should make their children get control on their small matters first and eventually let them take their own decisions..so I think atleat till the age of 18 parents should have a control on kids.
Maturity is charecterised by self control, wisdom and responsibility., so when the parents feel that their child is self sufficient and is emotionally and financially stable its better not to control anymore..