friend or parent?
By grump0ne
@grump0ne (979)
United States
October 31, 2006 12:10pm CST
Should you be a parent first friend second, or a friend first,parent second?
47 responses
@happygal68 (3275)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I totally agree.
Well said !
~Remember to give out +'s when it's deserved & select best responses. It helps us all out ;-]
@kerryq2705 (8672)
• United States
1 Nov 06
I think you should always be a parent first and a friend second. If your kids think you are their friend then they won't respect your authority and kids need to respect you and listen to what you say. I think its great to be their friend to dont get me wrong just be a parent first.
@floramwaters (1595)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Parent first, freind second. I want my kids to be able to talk to me about anything,but in the end I am thier parent and it is my job to teach them right from wrong.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Yes you have to keep the lines of communication open between parents and children. In order to do this you have to be their friend. so in retrospect becoming your childs friend is part of parenting, so you are being a parent first by becoming their friend..does this make sense.
@helpful_ideas (1620)
• United States
1 Nov 06
Parents are responsible for the safety and werll being of their children.
If the children are old enough to take responsibility for themselves, then friend first, otherwise in all cases parent first.
@MrsFrizzle (1963)
• United States
31 Oct 06
It would be good if they went hand in hand. However you must make sure they respect you and that they will not take advantage of you for trying to be there friend.
@kataztrophy (1836)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I strong a strong friendship with a parent is a good thing, I don't think you can compare it to any other friends.
@khushboo1984 (1257)
• India
31 Oct 06
In today's world it has become important for parents to become friends first. You would have to deal the situation in such a way that you balance both the roles effectiently. Be a parent when needed. But, be a friend in all the other time. In this age if one try to be more disciplined with the kids then the Kids do amny things behind the parents back. I myself has seen a lot of these going on.
@zuri25 (2125)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Parent first! People who have children for the purpose of having a best friend need to have their heads checked. What children need, whether they want to believe it or not, is discipline; someone who can teach them the ways of the world and how to be a productive person in it. Yeah, it's great to have a friendly relationship with your children because they will feel comfortable talking to you about their daily issues, but authority should never be in question.
@Meljep (1666)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Your primary job as a parent is to be a parent. Children have their own circle of friends and acquaintances they don't really need another "friend". A parent is to guide their children, be a good example to their children, and teach them how to be responsible citizens. Be involved in their activities so they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you care for them and would be willing to do almost anything for them. Then at some point when your children are grown and have families of their own you will get your chance to be their friend.
@zubair439 (3183)
• India
31 Oct 06
ofcourse parents first... coz they have given birth to me... then only i maked a friends...
@lovedmpj2001 (585)
• United States
31 Oct 06
parent first. friend second in my opinion only, but both can be applied together.