A good parent knows they can’t be best friends with their kids.
Talking Points:
- The hard truth that every parent has to come to learn is that kids need you to be the “bad guy” sometimes. Children need a strong figure that puts a foot down and shows them the difference between right and wrong and teaches them that no one gets to go through life without limits and rules.
- Parents need to learn that their relationship will actually grow when they stop worrying about their child being angry with them for making tough choices with their ultimate good in mind.
- Don’t be afraid or worry when your kids are mad at you! Remember, you are helping shape a fully-functioning adult, and those types of people didn’t get everything they wanted as kids.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Are you “friends” with your kids? Explain why or why not.
- Have you ever experienced your child being angry at you for disciplining them? How did it make you feel?
- What types of discipline work the best for your kids? Which types don’t seem to work? Share an example.
- How can being a firm disciplinarian help a child? Give one example.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
