Be it a chat about their daughter’s new date or sharing a glass of beer with their teenage son, parents of generation X have come a long way from being just parents to being friends with their kids. But is that the ideal style of parenting? While the ‘generation gap’ between parents and children seems to be diminishing over the last few years, the extent to which the bond of friendship between children and their parents should exist is a question that often comes to mind.

Experts too feel that ‘kids need their parents, not another friend’ as it is important to keep the boundaries. A serious consequence of the parent-child 'friendship' is the diminishing respect that children have for their parents. However, it’s also true that friendship can be a wonderful source of strength and an excellent way to satisfy the emotional needs of children, but where should one draw the line? Is it necessarily the right style of parenting?

Yes. I have seen a few friends who their parents are their best friends.

Not really.
Just like no one can.
I am my own best friend.
Not that 'needy'!

Nope. There are secrets I can't share with them even though they are my parents