Look at the parent/child relationship and realize that you and your children are not friends. Almost every parent has experienced the wrath of a child. That awful moment when a child tells you either:
- I am mad at you
- I hate you
- I like my other parent better
- You are mean
- You are not my friend
The first time you hear one of those statements, it really hurts.
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i totally agree! This is so important to remember to bring up respectable, thoughtful children. It’s hard to say NO to them sometimes, but we are NOT their friends. That will come later.
My mom always told me if a child says I hate you or something else hurtful like you described that means we’re doing our parenting job. Now that my kids are young adults we’re building our friendship yet they still know when I’m in parent mode :).
Great post Janeane! Have a great new week!
I totally agree. I want my kids to trust me and come to me about everything BUT also want them to know I am their mother not their friend.
I could not agree more. I think a parental relationship is different than being a friend.
I am so glad that parents were really parents to me and didn’t try to be friend until I was out on my own. Growing up I thought they were strict, but I realize now it’s because they loved me enough to set limits!