HOW CAN YOU BE FRIENDS WHILE ALSO BEING PARENTS TO YOUR CHILD

Over the years there has always been a debate about whether or not parents should be friends with their child. There are different schools of thought, some feel that parents shouldn’t be best friends with their child as it would have a lesser impact and the kid might not see the parent as the authoritative figure. And then there are different sets of parents who feel that it is important to be friends with your child in order to stay connected. However, research suggests that it is more preferable for parents to do both jobs together. As confusing and complicated as it may sound, it is rather simple and makes your job as a parent much easier. Kids at a tender age get easily influenced and distracted from their path, because of which they need some authoritative figure in their growing years to look after them and help them correct their mistakes. While focusing on practicing “right parenting” it is of utmost importance for parents to make sure that they also play a role of a friend in front of their child because believe it or not, that is something a child needs more than needing a strict parent, a friend. Here in this article, we will be mentioning some ways to help you be friends with your child along with being a parent which will eventually nurture a healthy parent child relationship.

WAYS TO STAY FRIENDS AND ALSO BEING A PARENT TO MY CHILD

DON’T BE OVERPROTECTIVE:  

Although it is important to ensure that your child is going in the correct direction, being overprotective is what ruins the relationship. Teach them about all the rights and wrongs but also give them a chance to decide for themselves. Children having overprotective parents often end up developing resentment towards parents as they end up keeping a check on every little action of their child. Worrying for your child is completely fine and normal but there has to be a limit to it.

FREE ENVIRONMENT:

In a child’s growing years, comfort and an open environment are more important than strict rules and discipline. It is extremely crucial for parents to make sure that they create a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere for their kids where they can talk about anything and everything to you as a friend. Along with it, it is also necessary to show acceptance towards them and make sure that you let them know that their decisions are being respected. Being open, supportive, and accepting really adds a lot of value to a parent child relationship and will always assure your kid that they can come to you and talk to you about anything without getting hesitant.

SPEND MORE TIME:  

We have seen parents often juggling between household chores/work and children. It is a difficult job and we understand that, but at the same time, it is important to realize that small thing’s matter. In order to stay connected with your child and be friends with them, it should be a priority from your side to make sure that you spend enough time with them. Have small and easy bedtime routines such as reading stories or praying together, involve yourself in the games they play or activities they are interested in. This will help you understand them and their vulnerabilities or strong points better.

BE THERE FOR THEM:

“Actions speak louder than words” There is a huge difference between letting them know that you are there for them and then actually putting that into practice. Parents should make sure that they are present mentally and physically for their children. Let them know that you are standing tall beside them through thick and thin and they can always rely on you whenever they face a difficult situation or simply need a shoulder to cry on. This will comfort your child and help them trust you more easily with their problems or secrets.

BE AFFECTIONATE:

Being affectionate towards your children is another easy way to help build a proper friendship with your kid. Being a disciplinarian parent is of course necessary but not as important as it is to show affection and empathy to your child. Be an empathetic parent just the way your own friend would be towards you. Children having affectionate parents often result in having lifelong positive outcomes such as good communication between parents and children, higher self-esteem, lesser psychological and behavioral issues.

ASK QUESTIONS:

Another mistake that parents end up making is they do not consider their child’s opinion. But little do they know how great of an impact it creates when you let them know that their opinions are welcomed and valued. Ask them for simple inputs such as what color should we paint the walls of the house? Try to appreciate their choices and accept their point of view with an open heart. This will make the child feel wanted and would make them voluntarily come up to you and talk about things the way they do it with their friends.

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES:

Along with being all “fun” and “cool” friends to your child, at the end of the day, you will also remain a responsible parent to them. Make sure to have some realistic expectations from this relationship between you and maintain boundaries accordingly. Be with them as a friend and let yourself be a part of their life. But then again, do not forget your responsibilities as a parent and also treat your child like that once in a while. Keep on exchanging roles between “a friend” and “a parent.” Try maintaining healthy boundaries and avoid indulging yourself way too much in their life.

A friendship is always a safe space where there is growth, acceptance, safety, and happiness. Being a parent, you should make sure to provide your child with that space while also teaching them about life. Being a friend to your child doesn’t neglect your role as a parent- it rather enhances it. Because at the end of the day when the sun sets, a child would always look up to you as a friend when in need and also as a parent if you get successful to practice both the roles simultaneously.

By: Drashti Shah

Dear Parents,

Give your child the dynamic start to a bright future. MADE EASY School Chhatarpur YouTube Channel has an ample of content to offer. Ranging from Spectacular school functions, colourful activities, latest Educational innovations, interactive sessions, virtual school tour to so much more!

So, Hurry Subscribe to MADE EASY YouTube channel now and never miss an update.

So, What are you waiting for? Hurry up and Subscribe MADE EASY School Chhatarpur YouTube Channel now and never miss an exciting update!

READ ALSO : HOW CAN TEACHERS MODEL RIGHT BEHAVIOUR FOR KIDS?