Comments on: Parents: You are Their Best Friend

By: Baby Boy Names

Baby Boy Names — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:40:33 +0000

It's true we are the whole world to our children even for just a little while…but I myself is guilty of not being there for them some of the time. I never thought that I would hear from them the word “all you do is work” and when I heard that I felt like everything I do to help our family financially is of no value. They don't need money – they need me. I tell you I was heart broken but I'm glad that it was not yet too late and I get to spend the time with them when they need me or even if they don't.

By: andreamae

andreamae — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:06:48 +0000

Good post here. Parents are indeed a child's best friends. They should be the ultimate guide to their child's growing up and nurture him/her into a good person they wanted him/her to be. Giving their child their valuable time during the day makes him/her remember one day in his/her life that he/she has loving parents and the good things his/her parents have done to him/her will always stay in his/her innerself as he/she grow old. The things that parents have inculcate in their child's mind will guide the child to grow as a good citizen of his country.

By: Erik U.

Erik U. — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:58:21 +0000

decent post…but you're missing the boat. youf children need you to be their PARENT, not their friend. they only have 2 parents, but there are millions of people in the world who can potentially be their “best friend”. sometimes that means doing things that they hate you for, but doing them because it's what's best for them. besides, your children need to know that your SPOUSE is the most important person to you – not the children – because without your spouse there are no children. you're not going to effectively parent your child if you're too busy making them your best friend; and not cultivating your relationship with your spouse. if you're their friend, who is their parent???

By: Milander

Milander — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:46:02 +0000

Isn't this just a given? If parents need to be told this they shouldn't really be having kids, I swear there should be a test before anyone is allowed to procreate.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:06:47 +0000

I've come to learn that when I work extra hours and take on projects that remove me from my family, I often leave with some regrets. However, if I spend an evening away from email and code just walking around the park with my kids, I've never regretted it.

Sure, I want to make more now so I can retire early, but my kids are only young once. These times you can't get back. There will be time later to work.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:36:35 +0000

Aww. Great post. And so cute.

By: cammy mummy

cammy mummy — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:16:24 +0000

U had feeling pretty guilty for a few lines there but i learnt another important lil truth from my 4 year old son. He likes me to be me – he likes that i read a lot and he comes and sits with his own books on mummy's bed while she reads. I learnt to *listen* to him to find out what he needs and when – i am not his best friend – he has one of those every week. I am Mummy.

By: daddybrain

daddybrain — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:04:50 +0000

I totally agree. As a dad, and as a son who's dad didn't always provide me with what I needed, I think this is great advice and insight. I don't know how old you are, but I have a feeling you'll be a great parent. The biggest challenge is remembering these values when we're sleep deprived, sex deprived and coping with feelings of sadness.

Peace,

Joey

By: daddybrain

daddybrain — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:55:17 +0000

I'm in tears.

Sitting at my cubicle with my coffee, bagel and muffin, I am trying to keep it together. You put this into words so beautifully, and in the process have captured some of my greatest issues. The exhaustion, the snapping, the regret of not being more present when I am with the boys (as well s the horrible feeling of isolation and sadness when I'm at work all day - without my best pals).

Peace, positive energy and strength to you and all parents that struggle with this.

Peace,

Joey
www.daddybrain.wordpress.com

By: ayomide

ayomide — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:00:59 +0000

Good post, and so very true! Very rarely do kids actually WANT to have strained relationships with their parents. We get that you work hard and stuff. The only thing I'd add (as a child, not a parent....and perhaps this will apply to you more when your kids are teenagers like me)
1) Don't just hear your kids. Listen. Especially if they're trying to tell you something difficult. (Like if they did something bad, but then have the humility to fess up, haha.)
2) Don't let your kids be the last to know you love them, or that you're proud of them. Too often I've gotten into conversations with friends where we'll ALL start complaining that our parents always say they're so "dissapointed" with our grades and how we can do better, and then tell everyone and their dog how their kid's on the honour roll. Your child should be the very first person to whom(/who?) you brag about how awesome they are.
3) Admit your mistakes and forgive them for theirs. They'll love you for it. Trust me.
4) You can only upset your kid so many times before they'll just go somewhere else to find what they're looking for.