The WM Parenting Connection

By Daniel Lee- Single Parenting Expert

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to have a friendship with your children. Well, stop that way of thinking now. As a parent you cannot have a friendship with your children. You are the parent they are the children, and that will always be the scope of your relationship.

Now while it may seem I came off a bit harsh in the previous paragraph, I did.This of course is for good reason. I have seen lately many parents that try to be cool, hip, down, and all the other slang with their kids. This seems to lead to many problems, one being the child does not know they are the minor and you are theauthoritative figure in their lives.

A child needs boundaries set in their lives, and while this may at times seem to be a very trying feat, it is a necessity. As a single parent this can be a more than difficult process. When two parents separate they seem to vie for the child's love, and affections. Children soak this sort of behavior up between parents, and will always play two ends against the middle. This sort of behavior with the parents often leaves them in this mode of trying to be friends with the children.

Here are a few things that maybe will help you in your quest to take up the parent role, and not the friend role.

1. Be fair, but be firm.
Children need you to set their boundaries, you are the parent, and ultimately in charge of their well being and personal safety.

2. Explain that respect is a two way street.
Children want respect especially when they hit those teen years. However you must explain to them respect is earned not given.

3. Set ground rules, and stick by them.
A household without rules and constraints just leads to anarchy. Remember they will have to abide by rules all their lives, and you are just laying the foundation to learn how to deal with that.

4. You are not their friend.
If you try to be their friend they will lose respect for you. This will make it much more difficult for you in the end when you do try to parent them.

Most of all just remember to love your children, and by all means show them that you do. Also remember you are the one mostly responsible for who they will be as adults. Good Luck and remember also that you are not alone.

Parenting vs. Friendship