Can Parents Be Both The Boss & The Buddy To Their Children

Being able to balance being the 'boss' as well as your child's 'buddy' is absolutely necessary for a healthy parent child relationship. Some experts teach that we should always be the boss and never play the role of buddy. Others suggest that your son or daughter should be your best friend. Both extremes are unhealthy. Your child should never be in doubt as to who is the boss.

Personally speaking, when growing up, the times I felt my dad was my buddy were those rare and wonderful moments we spent hunting or fishing. I knew he was the boss; there was no doubt about that in our family. But for those magical moments, he was also my friend. 

The problem is that one without the other gives a dangerous imbalance. If you make an attempt to be your child's best friend above everything else, you will relinquish your ability to be an effective parent, able to wield authority when needed. If you refuse to accept the role of friend on occasion, you relinquish the chance to show love in a special way and to stand close to your children in their unguarded moments - Read more

Resources On Parenting

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Parenting Troubled Teenagers

There are many secrets to raising a successful teenager. Unfortunately for most parents, they are secrets. Behavior modification for troubled teens may seem like a daunting task, but if handled correctly and implemented in a strong and loving manner, it is possible to find a balance between love and discipline for teenagers.

The techniques used need to be consistent and firm. It is important to establish a platform of mutual trust and respect. At times it may be hard but diligence, hard work and patience will make it easier to understand the needs of the teenager. Many parents become frustrated by teens; they become overwhelmed and feel like there is no more control. The truth is: Being a parent is hard work and at times under rated; but simple approaches to help you develop a behavior modification for troubled teens will make the transition from teen to adult much smoother for both parents and teens.

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More Articles On Parenting

Can Parents Be Both The Boss & The Buddy To Their Children?
Being able to balance being the 'boss' as well as your child's 'buddy' is absolutely necessary for a healthy parent child relationship.  Some experts teach that we should always be the boss and never play the role of buddy.

Assisting Your Child With Divorce
Parents don't want the breakup of their marriage to harm their child. Before divorce, many parents seek advice from a family therapist about minimizing their child's suffering.  Before divorce, many parents seek advice from a family therapist about minimizing their child's suffering.

Positive Rewards is the Best Parenting System
The most important technique in teaching desirable behavior is known as the “positive reward system”.  You have probably seen trained animal acts such as dolphins, elephants, and bears at amusement parks like Sea World or the circus. But you may not be aware of how the animals are taught to do their tricks.

How To Get Your Child To Do Chores
Parents feel frustrated when they have to tell their child over and over to help around the house. They know that what they're asking (take out the trash, set the table, rake the leaves, etc.) is minimal compared to the full adult responsibility of running a household.

Teaching Your Child To Spend Money Wisely
Parents want their child to handle his own money responsibly.  They want him to plan ahead, spend wisely, and save for the future.  Most 10 to 13-year-olds, however, are less interested in being responsible than in buying what they want.  This causes a dilemma for many parents. 

The Challenges Of Becoming A Step Parent
Too often the role of the stepparent is fuzzy and ambiguous.  The step parent can never take the place of the child's real mother or father, living or dead.  On the other hand, the step parent is more than just a friend who happens to live in the same house and occupy the same space as the child. So what is the step parent exactly?

When Mommy Goes Back To Work
Once you have decided to go back to work and have chosen your substitute care there is much you can do to smooth the way, lessen the load, and prevent pandemonium as far as your child is concerned. Prepare your child in advance and ease his transition.

Why Children Act Out With Bad Behavior
In our efforts to understand the strong-willed, difficult child, we must ask ourselves why he or she is so fond of conflict. If given the opportunity to choose between war and peace, most of us would prefer tranquility.

Dealing With The Terrible Two's
By nature, children at the age of two (the “terrible-two's”) can be more concerned about their own needs, and even act in a selfish manner. They often refuse to share anything that interests them, and they do not easily interact with other children, even when playing side by side, unless it's to let a playmate know that they would like a toy or object for themselves.

Severe Problems With Anger, Biting, and Hitting
Does Your Child Have Severe Problems With Anger, Biting, & Hitting?  We all have feelings of anger and aggression, and so does your child.  These impulses are normal and healthy.  As a toddler or preschooler, your youngster may lack the self-control to express his anger peacefully.

Keep Your Child Out Of Gangs
If you fear that your child may be at risk of becoming part of a gang in your community, take action before he becomes immersed in that lifestyle. You may have more power over your child than you think.

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