I know, I know—it’s usually frowned upon to openly state that you’re best friends with your child. After all, I’m expected to be the parent, not the buddy, right? Well, I might just be a rebel. My daughter and I are like peas in a pod, and I’m still very much her mother. I truly believe it’s possible to wear both hats without losing your balance. There’s a fine line between being a friend and being a pushover, and trust me, I’m no pushover!
My little girl is still quite young, and she often tells me that I’m her best friend. Let me tell you, there’s no better feeling than when she throws her arms around me and exclaims, “You’re my best friend, Mommy!” It absolutely melts my heart. Of course, I remind her that she’s my best friend too—and I genuinely mean it!
She knows she’s not my only friend. Just like she has her own pals, I have my adult friends too. It’s crucial to make that distinction. Being her best friend doesn’t mean I’ll burden her with my adult worries; that would be way too much for her to carry. But since we spend so much time together, we naturally form a close bond. We love to binge-watch cartoons, play with her toys, and even color pictures together. Sometimes, she’ll hang out in the kitchen, chatting while I make dinner.
She understands that she can come to me with anything on her mind. If something’s bothering her, I give her the space to express herself. And if there’s a way I can help solve her problems, I’ll do my best. I’ve always created a safe space for her to tell the truth, even if she’s made a mistake.
But let’s not kid ourselves—she knows that actions have consequences. I’ve made it clear that if she crosses a line, there will be repercussions. I firmly believe in discipline; I won’t shy away from it. We can have fun and joke around, but when I say it’s time to wrap it up, it’s time to wrap it up! Sometimes, she doesn’t catch on right away, and that’s when I step in to guide her. But just because I’m the one enforcing the rules doesn’t mean we can’t maintain our close relationship.
I’ve seen too many people blame unruly kids on parents trying to be their friends instead of authoritative figures. But trust me, being my daughter’s friend doesn’t equate to being absent or lax; it’s about fostering a comfortable, confident relationship. It’s important that she knows she can talk to me about anything. Yes, like all friends, sometimes we annoy each other. But we can take a breather (I mean, how long can you endure a toddler tantrum before you need a timeout?) and come back together refreshed.
Unlike a typical friend, she knows I’m not going to walk out on her if she says something I don’t like. Sure, I might get upset, but I’m still her safe haven. I want to keep that trust so she knows I’ll always be her rock.
As kids grow older, it becomes trickier to maintain that closeness. Many parents try to insert themselves into their children’s lives, often making things awkward. I totally get that, and I don’t want to be that parent. I hope that as my daughter matures, she’ll recognize that I’m giving her the space to flourish while also providing the structure she needs to remain safe. Only time will tell, but for now, I’m grateful to call her my best buddy.
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Summary:
In this article, the author shares her unique perspective on being both a parent and a best friend to her child. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries while fostering open communication, she highlights the joys of spending quality time together. The author addresses the balance between discipline and friendship, ultimately celebrating the close bond she shares with her daughter.