Are parents today not playing their role as a true father and mother in raising, upbringing, and disciplining their children? Some say that parenting today has lost it's sense of meaning, that parents would rather be "friends" with their children instead of parents, fearing that their children will not return any love to them if they punish or discipline their children.
2007-12-23 04:21:14 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I agree with you - a lot of parents do want to be friends with their kids, which makes it hard to then turn around and discipline them. I think some parents don't want the hard job of discipline or punishment - well, too bad, that is a lot of what parenting is! Don't have a child to have a friend, that is what other adults are for. Usually the healthiest relationships between parents and children are traditional. I don't mean old-school beating the kid, I just mean the parent is the authority and the child is well...the child!
I have seen a lot of youngerparents going back to traditional methods and I hope this is a positive sign.
2007-12-23 04:27:34 · answer #1 · answered by Rob 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
For the most part you are correct. I am a parent, to a 1 year old. My wife and I have tried to teach her how to act. Our daughter is the one in the resturant who people say oh wow I had no idea there was a baby here. I agree parents want to be friend with their children. I also know parents who discipline their child and than they feel so guilty they run out and buy them the newest toy.
If and when the time comes that my daughter says she hates me, it will of course hurt but at the same time my wife and I will know we did our job.
2007-12-23 15:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Eric G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
110% absolutely true. I am 41 yrs old and I remember getting spanked when I did something bad, but I didn't hate my parents, I had more respect for them. Now that I have my own daughter (14 yrs old), I've had problems with her too, but she didn't escape her childhood without any discipline. I spanked her when she did something wrong. But, I stick to my guns that children need parents first and if there is room, which there should be, you can be their best friend too! My 14 yr old daughter is sitting here next to me as I type this, and she just kissed the side of my head, so I'd say I must have done something right. Bottom line, children need discipline! It shows you care.
2007-12-23 14:21:50 · answer #3 · answered by emotal1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's true. A lot of parents would rather be a friend, because they are afraid if they tell their precious little snowflake "no" on something, their baby will "hate" them. It's ridiculous. People need to start stepping up and being parents, or stop having children. The way I see it, if you want a b.f.f. - go outside and play. Meet someone. Having a child is a whole other responsibility. You need to be a parent first, best friend second.
2007-12-23 15:22:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. Although I am against corporal punishment, kids still need firm, consistent discipline. And what a lot of kids don't have now is parents to guide and teach them. It's disturbing how many parents these days are working all the time and dumping their kids at daycare all day, basically letting the daycare raise them. I think the main problem these days is that families never spend time together anymore.
2007-12-23 12:51:56 · answer #5 · answered by *HM* 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I punish and discipline mine but I have 4 and it is hard to keep on it all the time, I admit to slacking in that department sometimes but I think parents do try to be friends and kids don't need a friend they have enough! I wish we all can get a free day with nanny 911 maybe we all would be better parents, I try but it is very hard with a 7 and 4 year old and 4month old twins, but my kids know right from wrong and we can go to the store, out to eat with no problems so at their ages I think I'm doing good! my husbands more of the disciplinary!
2007-12-23 12:34:22 · answer #6 · answered by Ivana M. 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You answered your own question:"that parenting today has lost it's sense of meaning, that parents would rather be "friends" with their children instead of parents, fearing that their children will not return any love to them if they punish or discipline their children" That's the answer right there..
2007-12-23 12:25:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, that is exactly the problem. Parents don't want to be parents. It's going to ruin society in general, more and more each year. I see it all the time with my students. I do what I can be being a parent to my children and will teach them to do the same when they are parents. I don't need friends that much younger than me. It's sick.
2007-12-23 14:06:12 · answer #8 · answered by KnowItAll 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES!!! Parents need to be just that... PARENTS!!! They don't want to discipline their kids cause they don't want to hurt their kids feelings. By doing this, they are not creating boundries for their children. People wonder why kids are getting into trouble more and more these days. Well... this is why. Parents need to step up to the plate and be parents and lay down the rules.
2007-12-23 14:01:11 · answer #9 · answered by Operator 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a five year old daughter, I believe in disciplining children and know that it has to be done in order for children to learn socially acceptable behaviors, rule and guidelines, self control ect. When I was pregnant with my daughter I said that we were going to be friends and that I wanted her to be able to tell me everything and that I would definatley be ok with it when she did because I was going to ba a "cooler" parent than my mom was. With a little expereince now I think my mom did a great job.. I still think it would be nice for my daughter to trust me with secrets and problems when she gets older but I'm not counting on it!!
2007-12-23 12:32:22 · answer #10 · answered by livandjaxsmommy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋