friend or parent?

@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
@kmeyne (35)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Parent first, friend second. Otherwise they will see you as a friend and not an authority figure they have to listen to.
• United States
31 Oct 06
You said it. :)
• 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 ;-]
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
well stated..thanks for reply, cannot give out plus ratings gone
• United States
31 Oct 06
parent first freind secound always!!
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
agreed..thanks for reply
• India
31 Oct 06
gud answer
@morenita (331)
• United States
31 Oct 06
My parents were always parents first and I am so glad they were. I plan non being that way with my children as well. Kids need an authority figure to guide them, they always have and this wont change.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
It is nice to hear you comment positively on your parents sounds like they raised a good person...thanks for response.
@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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
1 Nov 06
I agree with you whole heartedly. be their parent and friend but if the situation warrents it you have to let go of that friendship for a little while and be a parent..thanks for reply
• 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.
• 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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
2 Nov 06
well stated..thanks for reply
@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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Sometimes they do go hand in hand, but there comes their time you have to let the friendship go(if only for a short time) and be a parent.
@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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Yes it is a very good thing, but there are some children who think their friendship with friends is better than with parents.
@istanto (8548)
• Indonesia
31 Oct 06
of course my parents first, friends are number 2.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I agree, but what i was looking for is if you should be a parent to your children first or a friend to your children first....thanks for reply.
@Tanya8 (1733)
• Canada
31 Oct 06
The relationship between parents and children is very unique. There are some similarities to friendship, but ulimately I don't want to be a peer to my children.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I know some parents who try to act like their children, dressing like they do, acting like they do, etc. To me this gives the child the impression they are in control. what do you think?
• India
31 Oct 06
Colors - the land of colors
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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I believe you can be a parent first and friend second and keep the lines of communication open with honesty and respect.
@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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
1 Nov 06
thank you very much for your reply..
@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.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
1 Nov 06
very well put..thanks for reply.
• India
31 Oct 06
parent...
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
thanks for response
@zubair439 (3183)
• India
31 Oct 06
ofcourse parents first... coz they have given birth to me... then only i maked a friends...
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
I agree, but i know some people who think otherwise. thanks for response.
@nontoxic (1062)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Bashful and Blackeye Susan - Bashful and Suzan (suzy)
parent first
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
that seems to be the concensus here..thanks for reply
@Cortney (3980)
• United States
31 Oct 06
They should be a parent first. A child will not learn to respect their parents if not.. friendship comes later in life when the child has grown up.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
true,,being a good parent early in their life makes a good friend later in life.
@ladylety (344)
• United States
31 Oct 06
Parent first always! Kids need that security,safety and strength.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
thank you for you response. So you dont think it is possible to feel security, safety and strength with a friend?
• United States
31 Oct 06
parent first. friend second in my opinion only, but both can be applied together.
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
yes they can both be applied together, but there comes a time when you have to make a decision that a friend would not make...thanks for reply.
@burgoonster (3757)
• Canada
31 Oct 06
Parent First Friend Second
@grump0ne (979)
• United States
31 Oct 06
thank you for your response.