At what point does the relationship between parent and child cross over into a friendship?
Does it ever?
I think in order to foster a healthy relationship with kids in their adulthood, parents must allow love and accountability to flow in the relationship. If a child was told their entire childhood to stay in a child's place or always to be quiet, etc., then it can be difficult to expect them to voice their opinions and feelings as adults.
I've managed my fair share of childhood trauma, and in this volume, I touch on the relationship I have with my mother. There is an important conversation that has become unavoidable. As much as I would like to avoid it, I won't be able to much longer.
Having a child now and being almost TOO aware of the possibilities that could arise for us in her adulthood, I try my best to curate an environment that has a balance of parenting and friendship. I'm not saying I see my kid as my friend, but we are able to hang out like friends and talk about anything. I don't shun her ideas, thoughts, or feelings even when I might not completely understand in that moment.
Let me know your thoughts.
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