As a parent, it’s scary to think that one day your kids may not come to you to help fix their problems and make the “ouchies” go away. This is why some parents may feel as if there is a certain time to become involved in their kids’ lives and cross the bridge between parent and friend. But when is it okay to take this step? Is it okay at all? According to cbsnews.com, you can become your child’s friend, but precede this kind of relationship with caution.
If you decide to cross the boundaries of parent and friends, you “may actually get more information than you want from your kids,” according to cbsnews.com’s “Should You Be Friends With Your Kids?” You may not want to hear about all of the girls your son has kissed—or even slept with, depending on his age. You may not care about the latest gossip that your daughter wants to share. All of these occurrences can make you step back into a more judgmental position, thus making your kids believe that you cannot be a true confidant.
So instead of trying to be a friend, be a parent who is very open and supportive. Share your own experiences with your children, especially your teenagers. Let them know that you were their age once and had your own ups and downs. It is important not to say that you went through the same things that they are because every situation in life is different.
Consider these steps tips from cbsnews.com when thinking about having a more open relationship with your children:
1. Create a safe space for you to talk to your kids.
2. Watch kids’ TV shows with them and talk about the shows.
3. Know who your kids are hanging out with and their friends’ parents.
By taking these suggestions into consideration, you can create a relationship with your child that can last into adulthood. Explain to them the best way you can about what is going on in the world today and tell them what values they should take away from TV shows. It may not be a sure process, but by letting your kids know that you are there to pick them up when they do not feel like they are at their best, you can be more approachable.
