Growing up, my dad always told me, "I'm your parent, not your friend." As a child, I used to think, why can't he be both? When I became an adult, I questioned my dad about this. My father told me, as my dad, his responsibility was to teach and guide me so I would become a good and hardworking person and a productive member of society. My father told me that it was his job to love me and, at times, to discipline me. He informed me that throughout life, I would have plenty of friends. Friends come and go, but your parents are a part of your life for as long as you live.
What my dad shared with me began to make sense when I became a father. No one on this earth loves my children more than I do. When they had moments of success, I was there to share those moments with them. When they were sad, hurt, or disappointed, I was there to comfort, care for, and encourage them. If they needed a swift kick in the pants, I was also there to do that. Throughout my children's lives, I've played the role of "hero" and "villain." Whatever they needed me to be to help them become the best person they could be, I was there to do it because that's what a good parent does. Friends try not to rock the boat. Friends will do and say what you want them to say so that they can remain your friend.
Moms and dads, be your children's parents, not their friends. They will have plenty of friends in life but only one mom and one dad.
