A Friend or Parent to Child: What should I be?

Kehte hain jab bacche bade ho jate hain toh maa ko maa nahi, dost samjhana chahiye.

But….this question….of being a friend or parent to child is so disturbing, especially when your child is surpassing the stage from a toddler to a teen. Yet, it’s difficult to find one correct answer.

When I posted this question on social media,  the response was overwhelming.

That ‘s the moment I realised that you are not alone in having this question in your mind; many parents have sailed the same boat and learned through their experiences.

Because ultimately they want to be the best and give the best to their child.

Kajal Dhir, a mother of two teenage daughters, shares her opinion on being a friend or parent to child in her words:

Please read it until the end to end your confusion.

आओ हम तुम मिलकर बात करें

रिश्ते को न‌ई दिशा दें, इक न‌ई शुरूआत करें

Thus, you can’t be just one! A friend or a parent to your child. You have to be both. In fact, not only a friend or a parent, but play multiple roles for them. A guide, a facilitator, mentor, and even their punching bags; all merged into one.

You have to build the confidence in them as a friend on whom they can rely and share all their feelings with; they can feel your patient ears listening to them and not just giving them your parenting Gyan.

And of course, a parent who is firm and unmoved to set boundaries and rules for them without being critical and harsh towards them. So, you have to be in both the shoes all the time.

Hope that ends your confusion of being a friend or parent to child! Like the post? Don’t forget to share it with other parents too! Help others traverse the difficult journey of parenting with ease!

• Signs of a bad parent-child relationship
• Why your child doesn’t trust you?
• How to communicate with your teenager effectively?