[green1706]

What is the ideal relationship between parents and children? This relationship should be more severe, parents imposing their terms automatically, or should it be a friendship? In the latter case, if the child benefit from parents' indulgence and do something stupid? I know that the situation varies from case to case, but I speak in general. My husband and I get ready to be parents again, we want to adopt for the first time, and therefore we want more opinions. So, what do you think?

[beegees]

It should be a mix of both freindship and disipline.

[AussieD]

Parents need to be parents first and learn to say no and discipline children when approrporate and not indulge childen, but that doesn't mean they can't still be friends and have a good relationship with them as well. Below are some blogs you might find helpful on this topic.
http://christian.families.com/blog/f...-to-your-child
http://christian.families.com/blog/f...-parent-part-2
http://christian.families.com/blog/l...2-in-parenting
http://christian.families.com/blog/a...ared-to-say-no

[hennypenny]

I believe in listening to the children and taking their wishes on board, having fun together, but they know that when it comes to the crunch, mum and dad are the final word in the decision making, and if that means making the hard decisions, we will make them

[jonathan200]

Some people say they should be friends. They say this kind of relationship provides a comfortable atmosphere for children, so they will grow less stressed and have a more positive character.

But others believe that a friends-like relationship between parents and children is somewhat dangerous for both of them. Under this relationship, no strict discipline can be enforced, so the children may become troublemakers. As these people say, if you spare the rod, you spoil the child.
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http://your-home-here.blogspot.com/

[angel_g]

I would say, treated as a friend most of the time, and given respect as a 'real person', i.e. not treating their wishes/opinions as insignificant. For instance, when the family is making a decision, let the child have their say as well. BUT, there is a line that shouldn't be crossed. Physical punishment isn't necessary, but strict enforcement of consequences is.