I think a lot of parents just don't know how to *properly* be their child's friend.

Do friends put up with whining, sniveling, and bullying. usually not.

Doting upon and granting every wish is for royalty and lovers Not friends.

My parents did a find job being my friends, but they also knew when to be parents. Were their decisions always popular with me? No. But i know they tried their best. (I yet to this day hold a few grudges and think they were a bit TOO strict, but like i said... they tried their hardest. ...and they also gave me a LOT more freedoms than most parents allow their kids. ...then again i also earned it with wonderful behavior including well deserved trust.)

I knew by the age three that No meant No. if i asked for something a third time after they said no, that was end of discussion and I'd never get the thing. Ever. Maybe meant it's open for discussion... at a later moment in time.

Sometimes the best friends are the ones that set limits. I don't think parents give "friends" enough credit. Youth peers often stop their peers from doing lots of stupid stuff. (Yes there are also those that encourage immature behavior.) I've known a lot of teens that took better care of their friends than their parents did. Getting each other off drugs and concentrating on school. ...and sometimes it did include physical discipline... but they did what was necessary to save lives. They weren't always liked for it... but in the end they were thanked. (Like literally dragging each other into rehab.)

Quote Originally Posted by Jessika
Because parents are too worried about being their children's FRIENDS rather than their PARENTS. They are too worried about their children liking them than being the "bad guy".

Let me tell you, I've seen enough "Bad parenting", even in my short days, that I am CONVINCED I will learn from others' mistakes, and my children will NOT!!!! get away with half the cr*p kids get away with nowdays, especially in public, and ESPECIALLY with how they treat others!