How can you sometimes talk to your kids like a friend?

Although parents have responsibilities like teaching new skills or providing consequences, it’s also important to spend time talking with your children as a friend (discussing current events and shared interests, joking, sharing about your day, etc.).

Avoid grilling them about their day or constantly lecturing them. Would you want a friend to do that to you? Listen to how your child’s friends talk to each other, then sometimes try to talk to your kids like a friend would.