So to often, parents want to be their child’s friend. I am watching Last Man Standing tonight and the mom is upset because the children think of their mom as their mom, not their friend. That is the way it should be.
When parents try to be a friend to their children, is when issues start to happen. Children need to learn boundaries and when parents are their friends instead of their parents, they do not learn these boundaries.
As friends, that would mean parents and children are peers and it cannot be that way. If you are peers, then who is in charge? You cannot be both a parent and a friend.
Dose this mean we do not listen to ir help our children? No, as a parent we are there to help and guide them through the early stages of their life so they grow up to make smart and right decisions. However, even later in life you will still be their parent.
Does this mean as parents we have to act as dictators? Sometimes the answer may be yes. There will be times when you simply have to put your foot down and say no and then punish them for their poor decisions. If you are trying to be their friend while punishing them, they will be very confused.
So please be a parent to your children and not their friend. This one simple action can help to raise emotionally stable children who will know right from wrong.
I pray that you are a parent to your children and not their friend. If you are having problems with this concept, I pray that God will show you the consequences for your actions. Do not be upset, but rejoice in that as a parent you will be able to teach your children, but believe me they will remember everything so be careful. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!