Parents should be parents first not friends
By geekemgirl
@geekemgirl (270)
United States
January 29, 2012 2:32pm CST
It seems that many children today aren't getting proper discipline because some parents want to be friends with their children and don't want to lose that friendship. I don't think there is anything wrong with being friends with your children especially as they get older but I don't think it should be the priority. Children should respect their parents and see them as an authority which doesn't happen if they see them as friends. Thoughts?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
30 Jan 12
You should, of course, discipline kids. No one, at least not a right thinking person, would dispute that. Also parents (here I am bring honest) are just authority figures, not persons who deserve respect. Having authority doesn't equal getting respect. Everyone knows that.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
30 Jan 12
I meant to say some parents don't. Of course, there are plenty of parents who deserve respect.
@geekemgirl (270)
• United States
30 Jan 12
Thanks for the clarification. Being a parent is one of the hardest and most important jobs. I believe parents (good parents that is) are absolutely deserving of respect. But not all are good. Anyone can have a child but that doesn't mean that they'll be nurturing, loving, supportive and responsible which to me is what makes a good parent....not perfect because we're human and will make mistakes. So no, not all parents deserve respect but many of them do as you mentioned.
@rubbershot (173)
• Kenya
29 Jan 12
Parents are leaving their responsibilities of disciplining their children to teachers and other members of society. I agree, being friends with your children makes them loose some respect for you.
@geekemgirl (270)
• United States
29 Jan 12
I agree. Discipline, respect, manners and all of those things should be first taught at home but this burden is often being placed on teachers and athletes, actors and socialites are seen as role models. Parents should be filling these roles but some are too busy trying to be the cool parent.
@geekemgirl (270)
• United States
29 Jan 12
I wonder if being friends with your kids ever works. I don't think so at least not when it is the priority but that's just my opinion. I too think discipline is important and gets more respect on both sides.
