18/08/2025
Episode 32: Parents, You Are Not Your Teen’s Friend
In our 32nd Episode of Bas Paanch Minute, Dr. Ayesha addresses another common belief among parents: “I’m my child’s best friend.”
While it may come from a place of love, Dr. Ayesha reminds us that parents are not meant to be their teen’s friends — they are meant to be their parents. And that role comes with unique responsibilities that no friend can fulfill.
She outlines four important reasons why parents should not confuse the two roles:
Responsibility for well-being and protection — Parents must ensure their child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
Providing discipline and guidance — It’s the parent’s role to set boundaries and help teens understand right from wrong.
Filtering worries and struggles — Unlike friends, parents need to protect their children from being overwhelmed by adult concerns.
Supporting healthy individuation — Teens need space to form their own identity and build relationships outside the family.
When parents take on the role of “friend,” they risk blurring boundaries that are essential for a teen’s growth and resilience.
So, remember: your teen doesn’t need another friend — they need the steady guidance, love, and support that only a parent can give.
See you next week for another Bas Paanch Minute!
