Be a Parent, Not a Best Friend

In a family parents are the law giver. Parents should impose rules with confidence to gain child's respect. Parents must learn to say no, don't always give in so that the kids will learn they have boundaries. Parents are the authority figures in a family. Guide your children wisely and gain their respect.

Trying to be your child's best friend is not only ineffective, it's irresponsible.

-Rabbi Shmuley

Tips for reclaiming your rightful role as head of the household.
By Rabbi Shmuley

1.  Never parent out of fear. Don't be afraid that your children aren't going to love you. Don't show your kids your weak side. If you don't act like you're in charge, they won't respect you—they'll disrespect you.
2.  Know that your children need moms and dads. If you do parent out of fear, your children will hold it against you when they get older since they will have many friends, but only two parents.
3.  Discipline is key. Parents are, above all else, authority figures. As a parent, you are wiser and have more experience to guide them.
4.  Teach your children the virtue of respect. Part of having good manners is for children to respect their parents. To get them to do that, however, you have to act like a parent, and not a best friend.
5.  Understand that children thrive on structure.  It's up to parents to impose things like bedtimes, how much TV they can watch and other necessary limits. Don't always give in, and make sure kids have boundaries. It's essential to their development.

Your house should not be a democracy, but rather, a dictatorship. Don't be afraid to impose rules and structure, and don't try to be your kids' best friend. They can have lots of friends, but only have one mom and one dad.

-Rabbi Shmuley

Source: http://www.oprah.com/oprahradio/Be-a-Parent-Not-a-Best-Friend