Friends?
As our children grow older, we gradually turn our authority over to them in small, manageable ways. When they become young independent adults then true friendship is possible. Parents who try to be “friends” with their children before then will lose respect and influence. Friendship is between equals. Authority makes us unequal. We cannot have both. Being friendly is a part of establishing warmth in the relationship. Being friendly, though, does not mean being a friend.
Part of being an effective parent is making all sorts of sacrifices. One of them is waiting for the moment when we can become true friends with our children.
Return to the entry you just made in your journal. Can you add any additional thoughts in response to my comments here?
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