In today’s world of parenting, it seems as if children have started raising themselves. It seems that parents never want to upset their children and as a result they just continually give in to their child’s every want and desire. This is happening from a very early age which is why so many parents are having problems with their teenagers. When the parents try to take back control from the teenager, it is extremely difficult (and sometimes impossible) because the child has literally been calling the shots for so long – that is all they know. They, of course, don’t want to give up this control. (Would you?)

Although it isn’t easy, parents need to take back control no matter how old their child is. The child needs to realise that the parent is the authority in the household. Of course, the younger the child is, the easier this is going to be. The first thing you need to do as a parent is stop trying to be the child’s friend and start being their parent.

As a parent you need to remember that you child will make many friends throughout their lives – but in most cases they will only have two parents. Even in situations where a child has step-parents, the number of friends in relation to the number of parents simply cannot be compared. So, don’t be afraid to be their parent because this is what they desperately need! They may not always like you but they will always love you and respect you for making this decision.