t.u.s. you are right

The parent - child relationship is critically one of the parent being the "rock" in the childs formative years. Being a "rock" provides the foundation for sound social development as well as the "rock" to bang against as children rebel through adolescence.

As a parent, you only know if you were a "success" by the way children turn out. Since both my girls are focused in their lives, energetic in what they do, have warm personalities, work for what they have and don't whine for what they have not, I am claiming "success".

Finally, I must agree, as "children" they needed me as a "parent", not as a "friend" but as "adults", they have now chosen me as a friend too.

Frenzal Rhomb lyrics.
“Mum Changed the Locks
Returning home, I took look forward to the thrill
Of another lecture or another pointless drill.
Ascend the front steps dreading further war
Why the f*ck is my key not fitting in the door?
I guess I’m not wanted I wonder what I’ll do
I’ve already banned from my friends house too.
I wonder what I did to make my mum so mad
No perfect homelife but the only one I had.
Oh my god, mum changed the locks.
Now I’ve fot my freedom but no place to go
No prospects or money to go to a show
I haven’t got on well with my mum all year
Can’t use the phone to call my friends for a beer.”

TISM words”
De Rigueurmortis – Album (2001)


“There is another suburb with a warm and scented air.
The families all prosper who take the turn-off there.
The fathers at the bread shop in their track-suits in a line
Order for their families, Sunday, breakfast time.
If parents see a reason and they will lose with grace.
Adolescents help at home, in this other place.
My parents missed that turn-off, took this town’s exit ramp.
I’ll go down the shops tonight and break the last street lamp.
(Sound of breaking glass)”
GlenWriter is that cold and hard enough for you.
Jane Caro: good luck to you with your warm and fluffy relationship. A blessing. Savour it - live it to the fullest.
I have four childdren. One died at 6 months (from gestation). Oldest is a Research Scientist who was one of the youngest PHD's in Australia. Middle one is an artist (BA) and is winning her war with clinical depression and our youngest is an undergrade (made the Deans's list last semester 3 HD's).
Two have been around the world while the other has been to hell and back. However, that all fades into the background - what matters is that they are nice and are kind to their fellows and try to understand the circumstances that see others fall behind. (Caring).

Col, I can't speak from the parent angle of being friends with my kids (they're not quite grown up yet), but I can see it with my relationship with my parents, especially my dad.

There were times when I was younger I would think my old man was being a bit tough, but realise now it was for my own good. He certainly wasn't my friend when I was 13, but now I like nothing more than sitting out the back of his house having a beer with him.

t.u.s.

tus – yes the Dad role is the “tough guy” in comparison to the Mum’s role. Traditionally, we have been the first link in showing our kids the world outside of the home, hence a tougher demeanour becomes the norm but is no less loving.

My eldest thanked me for being relatively strict when she was young – even suggested she probably deserved it. When telling her she could not do something I always tried to add a reason for the negative, instead of just saying “no”.

You have something wonderful to look forward to with your children when they are older and will experience the feelings your Dad presently has when he is sat with you. Our children, by growing into adults and finding their role in the world help validate why we lived in the first place.

I wish you every Enjoyment!

Stockholm syndrome?