> My parents told me early on "I'm not your friend" and has since then always felt that I should be obligated toward them because they're my parents. My parent

> My parents told me early on "I'm not your friend" and has since then always felt that I should be obligated toward them because they're my parents. My parents told me the same when I was young. It wasn't until about age 25 that the dynamic between us radically changed. There is a fine line to cross between being a primary caregiver and being an onlooker to someone's life. If you were a parent for 18 years it is understandable to have some "growing pains" associated with transitioning to a new type of relationship with your kids but it certainly is doable, even if it takes a while. I still seek advice from my parents (and they me) but it does not have the affect of authority as it did in childhood.