Traits of Trifling Parents

6.   Being Your Baby’s Bestie

We all want to be the “cool” parent who actually likes the latest Nicki Minaj song and knows what “YOLO” means without a tutorial from your teen.  But there should be a clear, definite line between being someone your child feels comfortable talking to about any and everything and being their party partner.  Respect for you as an authority and enforcing discipline is, in some ironic way, showing your child you care even if they don’t always agree with your rules.  Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you have to DVR Dr. Phil, browse the racks of Sears women’s wear and sign up for Sunday soccer van duty.  But if you find yourself trying to find matching little black dresses in Forever 21 for the Friday night house party, it’s time to check the script. You’re a mom now and that means you have to conduct yourself a certain way.