Oh boy!  Some parents still think they're 16 years-old.  They consider themselves their teen's friend and not their parent.  This is a dangerous scenario.  Here's a tip:  your teen has enough friends -- they need a parent!

I can remember some of my friends' parents tried to be their friend.  This is was a disaster.  Um, a forty-three year-old acting like a 16 year-old is not a pretty picture.  It's embarrassing for the teen and for the parent.  Parents are better off acting their age not their shoe size!

BTW:  If your teen doesn't have friends -- that's another story and blog post.

Teens need parents to be parents.  Being a teenager today is not like it was centuries ago.  Life has evolved and moves at warp speed.  Parents are responsible for loving, guiding, and nurturing their teen.  They are not supposed to be hanging out as if they're part of the gang.  It's fantastic that parents are involved in their teen's life, but you must draw the line.

It's the responsibility of parents to mold and shape teens so they'll be able to function when you are not there.  Remember, life is fleeting and you can go at any moment.  Preparing your teen for life now will serve them later.  If you're too busy being their friend, your teen will suffer for it.

Parents, you had your turn at being 16 years-old.  It's time for you to pass the torch to your teen.  Be the best parent you can be.  By the way, many teens would prefer their parents to be parents and not their friend.  Think about that before you decide to "crash" your daughter's sleepover!