A lot of parents have a hard time telling the difference.  And that’s a problem.  You’ve seen it…a mom dressed like her teenage daughter.  A dad who offers his teenage son a beer while they watch the game.  When mom or dad becomes a buddy, the child loses out on the most important relationship…that of parent and child.  Your kids have plenty of friends, what they need from you is guidance, love, and boundaries.  They want to know that they can depend on you as a parent.  And your primary responsibility to them is to be their parent.  So, are you a parent or a pal?  For more on this topic, check out my blog at MarkMerrill.com.