We often hear from some parents that they are “good friends” with their kids. Well, it may be normal for you to hear it especially for parents that have a good bonding with their kids. But, do you think every parent should be their kids’ best friends? Do parents have to set up certain boundaries between them and the kids? If it’s so, why is that? Let’s read more to find out!
Should Parents Be Friends With Their Kids?
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Set Boundaries
It is great that you can be friends with your kids, which means that they are close to you and you both have a great bond with each other. However, it is better to set certain boundaries between you and your kids, in order to avoid them from thinking that they can treat you the same way as they treat their friends. Which we know, it is a no-no!
For instance, if your kid makes mistakes that you need to discipline them with some actions; you should! Don’t hold back and be all friendly to your kids. That will only make them think that their action is correct or good. We don’t want our kids to be rebellious when they grow up.
Setting up boundaries (a good boundary) would make perfect sense to raise our kids to know the right and wrong. We need to balance things out being the best of friends and being a good parent to our kids.
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Age Is A Factor
There are always reasons why you should consider your kids’ age as it plays a significant role in parenting and making them as a “friend”. It’s best if you stick to be the parents with your younger age kids than the older ones. The older kids usually don’t need much monitoring compared to the younger ones.
This is beneficial for your older kids as it allows them to be more open to you about their personal life. They will be comfortable to open up to you about a specific topic. But you must remember that you still have the rights to tell them things parents always do. Don’t forget your responsibility to teach, guide and decide on certain things for their own good as you are still their parents and not just a friend.
I don’t mean it as it is wrong to be friends with our kids. You just have to be strict and stern with them at times (when you have to) instead of being too lenient with them. Try to not loosen your boundaries with your kids just because you feel like they don’t deserve such punishments for their mistakes. I am sure that every parent wants to raise their kids with positive traits. So be the best for them as well!
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