I realized something deep and profound. So, I was talking to a friend today and we were talking about parent/kid boundaries. Namely being too much of a friend/buddy/confidant to your child rather than being a parent can be cringe-worthy to an outsider or yourself once you realize it. As you all know by now, my mind goes in unique directions at times. So, here goes. Okay, we all remember Tom and Jerry and how much fun it was to watch them they tangled. Though I hated Jerry always winning, I realize if Tom ever won, I guess the show would be over, but I digress. Anyway, I remember in the 1970s they had new episodes in which they were friends. I never really took to those. As a matter of fact, I found them quite annoying. I realized why.
Tom and Jerry are suppose to be natural enemies. Tom is suppose to chase Jerry and Jerry is suppose to defend himself. When they are best friends, that natural order feels completely off. Similarly, a parent is suppose to be keeping in mind his/her child's interest first, not be their child's best buddy or to seek their child's love and approval based on letting the kid have his/her way. When you see a parent/child relationship based on the latter, it feels off. I'll let you draw your own moral of the story or conclusions.
