We recently listened to Whoopi Goldberg express her honest opinions on parenting during her appearance on the popular talk show, ‘The View’.
Goldberg, a mother to Alexandrea ‘Alex’ Martin, firmly stated her belief that maintaining a friendship with your children is not feasible, especially when faced with the responsibilities of parenthood.
She emphasized, “You can disagree with me if you wish, but I stand by this assertion. It is not possible to be friends with your children – especially when you have to fulfill the duties inherent to being a parent.”
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To hear her exact words, watch the video below, shared on Instagram.
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Carol Ofori, aligning with the sentiments of the esteemed actress, shared her perspective on the matter:
I don’t believe that you can be friends with your children. What I mean by this is that maintaining an extremely close friendship with your children is not advisable. Boundaries must exist, and when your children, particularly when they are young, view you as a friend, it becomes challenging to establish and enforce discipline. They perceive you as a friend, which blurs the lines when you attempt to impart rules. They don’t take you seriously when you say, “You’re grounded,” or when you instruct them to clean up after themselves. Therefore, I believe it is crucial for your children to understand that you adore them unconditionally, but they should never mistake you for their friend. This distinction is vital in delineating the roles of the parent and the child, the enforcer of rules and the one who must abide by them.
– Carol Ofori
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Goldberg’s advice sparked a flurry of reactions. It appears that some individuals may have misconstrued her message. The essence of her statement lies in the importance of setting boundaries and providing guidance and structure to children, especially during their formative years.
Interpreted differently, the notion suggests that as children mature into adults, a shift in the parent-child relationship occurs, paving the way for a potential friendship dynamic in the future.
- “I respectfully disagree. I share a profound friendship with my mother. Our relationship is built on mutual support, guidance, and inclusivity. It is evident that you hail from a background devoid of such camaraderie, reflecting in your own demeanor.”
- “Certainly, one can foster a friendship with their children, albeit with clearly defined boundaries. I offer counsel, engage in leisure activities, and extend support when necessary. However, disrespect will not be tolerated!”
- “At 43 years old, I wholeheartedly concur with her perspective. In contemporary times, many parents attempt to blur the lines by assuming a friendship role with their children, resulting in a breakdown of discipline. As children become self-sufficient and independent, the parental responsibilities shift, allowing for a more amicable relationship to flourish.”
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