Keion and Shaunie Prove “You Can’t Be Your Kid’s Friend”

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world. Keion and Shaunie agree that while parents can be friendly with children, attempting to be friends undermines the parental role. Believing that kids need guidance, Shaunie critiques the concept of “gentle parenting,” and emphasizes the importance of creating structure for children. She also reflects on her parenting style, acknowledging that she overcompensates in areas where her parents fell short. Keion cautions against “parenting out of regret” and stresses that developing a healthy relationship with your child requires finding a balance between functioning as both a “cheerleader” and a “principal” to your child. In this episode, we learn how to instill healthy fear and respect in our children, why the vulnerability required for friendship is incompatible with the parent-child dynamic, and unpack the link between parenting and trauma. Ultimately Shaunie and Keion conclude that boundaries must evolve as children mature because fear must evolve into respect.