Quote Originally Posted by F L E S H
Not being their friends doesn't mean I wouldn't love and respect them. By definition, friendship implies a relationship between equals, and that's where the parent-child relationship is different. I think it is absolutely not a good idea to treat your children, at least until they're 18 or otherwise mature enough, as the parents' equals.

Obviously, that doesn't mean you don't love and respect them.
Hey man, my post was just a joke...

But I do strongly believe that every person on this planet is equal, therefore everybody should be treated as equals. This includes children. Sure, children are always going to need looking after, nurturing and teaching, and occasionally some sort of discipline, but I will never believe that intimidation is a good way to raise your children. All the people I know who have had parents like that have grown up wanting to parent their own children better.. however all the people I know who's parents were more relaxed (didn't hit them, and gave the kid an almost 'free reign') have grown up saying how much they respected what their parents did for them. This isn't the case all the time, but I still strongly believe that physical discipline or intimidation are not the right ways to help your children grow up and develop.