"I think there is a tendency today for parents to want to be their kid’s friend. I have friends who think that treating their children like their peer is empowering them – I disagree. I think you empower a child by teaching them how to think for themselves, giving them a moral compass and telling them you’re always there like the North Star. I tell my kids I don’t want to be your friend. You will have lots of friends in your life, and they will come and go. I am your mother. I’m not going anywhere."
Had to share this quote from Elissa Schappell, who is speaking at the Moms @ Work breakfast in Charlotte NC this Friday the 28th. I'm unable to go, but maybe someone reading this would like to.
A reminder that I post at Southern Belle View on Wednesdays.
And there is always something going on at She Reads. We try to introduce you to the best writers and books in women's fiction every week, so don't miss a post!
And happy birthday to my second child, who is (unbelievably) turning 18 today!
2 comments:
I agree, a mother or father should not try to be their child's friend. I have seen the results of that first hand, and it's not pretty at all. Often the child will lose respect for the parent, and will try to elevate themselves above the parent as well. It also means more manipulation. Not a good idea at all.
I tell my daughters this all the time. My speech usually goes like this, "I love you with all of my heart, but I am not your friend. You will have plenty of friends in your life, but God only gave you one mom." That's not to say that other women may not be like mothers to them or may not someday have to fill my role in their lives. But God gave me a special, important place in those girls' lives, and I wouldn't trade it to be just their friend for anything.
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