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I remember a friend once saying to me, some time ago, that people just don't know how to raise their own children. I think that we have lost the generational kind of teaching where you watched your mother, or aunt or cousin raise their kids, picked up pointers, babysat, etc., and then had some kind of idea as to what to do.

That being said, I think when you have your own, that little bundle of joy can be a bit intimidating.

I think one of the big problems is the newfangled idea, from my generation (baby boomers), that we are supposed to be "friends" with our kids. I'm pretty sure that kids already have friends; but, if you don't parent, then they have no parent. So, real dumb idea; but, it took hold so parents had to be "cool" instead of being parents.

My 4 boys who are all adults and very good friends of mine now, feared me when they were growing up. Sadly that is how you raise children. Kids are always trying to put one over on you or worst case making decisions that may ruin their life. It’s your job to teach them how to navigate childhood and eventually adulthood which makes you the bad Dad or Mom a lot.

You cannot be their friend while raising them. But once you’ve raised them and they become the people God intends them to be? They are some of the best friends you’ll ever have.