Approximately 15 years ago I started to notice a new trend in parenting:
Some parents decided it would be 'easier' and more 'fun' to be a friend to their children rather than a parent.
This 'friending' involves things such as encouraging children to get adult-like hairstyles, and allowing them to choose clothing and footwear that is not age-appropriate.
I see this parenting style as leading to the following:
1. Kids being viewed as older than they are and therefore being thrown into situations that their brains and bodies are not ready for.
2. Kids being quite confused and upset when, on occasion, their 'friend' (parent) comes out with a parental admonition or punishment.
3. Kids being under-disciplined and not being taught that choices have consequences because, after all, real friends don't punish friends, right?
4. Kids being over-indulged and therefore not respecting or valuing things as they should which results in them having an attitude that the world owes them.
5. Kids being confused about you or themselves or adult/child roles because to be their friend you either have to regress some to be closer to their level of behaviour etc. or, you behave as an adult and expect them to rise to your level.
The plus of actually parenting your children means that they will know right from wrong, respect others and themselves, and you. There will be less confusion about who is who in your relationship with them and which one of you is in charge. You will also save their teachers a lot of grief which will allow for more teaching time in the classroom and less instructional time will be consumed by conflict and disciplinary action.
Fact: Children's brains are not developed enough to make adult decisions.
If you don't teach your children well, the law of this country will have to attempt to do so and that could get ugly for both you and them.
Please, be a parent rather than a peer to your children until they are grown, law-abiding citizens. Their peers are their friends. You are the ONLY ONE who can be their parent. It is a great privilege that is YOURS!
This is one big way that you can make the world a better place.
Thank-You
