"I'm not your friend, I'm your parent." Taking The Good and Leaving the Bad of This Popular Parenting Phrase and Philosophy

·18 min·1 clip

Sean Donahue shares his favorite parenting analogy: kids are like homeowners who will only open the door to people they like and trust.

Sean Donahue deconstructs the common parenting phrase 'I'm your parent, not your friend,' examining its valid uses for setting boundaries while arguing its core flaw: that impactful parenting requires being someone your child enjoys and trusts, much like a friend. He offers a balancing approach and practical advice for parents.

As heard by us

A blunt rethink of a tired parenting line, with a warmer case for respect and trust.

Sean Donohue revisits the line, "I'm your parent, not your friend," and makes the case that it can feel off when parenting is really about respect, trust, and some room for real connection.

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Why you'd press play

When you want a firmer line than "I'm your parent, not your friend."

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