...I think parents should be authoritative friends to their children. An authoritative friend is someone whose unassailable character and good-hearted intentions are inspiring. Such a friend does not make you do things; they make you want to do things. The wisest and most powerful parents I know are people whose strength of character and loving actions are obvious to their children. These parents behave in ways that demonstrate they are comfortable with who they are and determined be the best people they can be. Their children see this, and they respect their parents for it. These parents, simply by being themselves, have a great deal of influence over their children...

Tags: communications & discipline