That’s the rub, though. So many people want to be their kids’ best friends.
Quite frankly, I don’t care if my kids like me. I have plenty of grownup friends - who wants kids as friends? My job is to be the parent, not the buddy.
As a side grouse - when did it become acceptable for kids to speak to adults using their first name? My son’s friends tried that crap with me & I let them know they can call me “Mom or Mrs C”. My first name is reserved for grown-ups only. Hell, I still refer to MY friends’ parents as “Mr & Mrs”, and I’m in my 40’s!
Lack of respect & parenting, that’s why.
You are correct all around. None of our kids’ friends EVER called us by our first names. We never had to tell them either...but you don’t get respect if you don’t earn it.
Parents are silly today. The way they act the way they talk with the kids and the way they allow the kids to talk to them. We told our kids we are NOT your friends. We are your parents and it is our JOB to do right by you and....we will tell you the TRUTH NOT what you want to hear from your friends which is nothing productive.
Being a good parent is the most important job on earth and...as a sign I saw one time said: “Parenting is not for sissies.!!”