There’s a dangerous lie creeping into parenting today. The idea that we need to be our kids’ best friends. That keeping them happy is the goal. That their approval matters more than their growth.

But God didn’t call us to be our kids’ best friends. He called us to be their parents.

Friendship can wait. Their character can’t.

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The Cost of Compromise

When we trade parenting for popularity, we raise kids who don’t know how to handle discipline, correction, or responsibility. We raise kids who feel entitled instead of empowered.

And one day, when life hits them, and it will, they won’t know how to stand. Because we didn’t train them to.

Scripture is clear:

“Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.” (Proverbs 29:17)

Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s love in action. It’s setting boundaries. It’s saying “no” when culture says “yes.” It’s standing firm even when they push back.

If we don’t parent them now, we will have to rescue them later.

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They Need Leadership, Not a Buddy

Our kids don’t need us to entertain them. They need us to lead them. They need truth more than they need approval. They need boundaries more than they need permission. They need correction more than they need comfort.

Yes, we love them fiercely. Yes, we laugh, have fun, and enjoy their childhood. But love without leadership is neglect.

Jesus didn’t cater to feelings. He spoke truth, even when it was hard. As parents, we must do the same.

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Friendship Will Come

One day, when they are grown, when they’ve learned wisdom, responsibility, and faithfulness, that’s when friendship comes. When they no longer need our discipline, but still seek our wisdom.

But if we sacrifice our role as parents now, we risk losing both respect now and relationship later.

So, stand firm. Love them enough to lead them. Be their parent today, and one day, you’ll earn the kind of friendship that is built on respect, trust, and deep love.

And that kind of friendship is worth the wait.