Becoming Friends of Our Children

Can fathers and mothers become friends of their children?

Many children leave their parents to find freedom and independence and

return to them only occasionally. When they return they often feel

like children again and therefore do not want to stay long. Many

parents worry about children's well-being after they have left home.

 When their children visit they want to be caring parents again.

But a mother can also become the daughter of her daughter and a father

the son of his son. A mother can become the daughter of her son and a

father the son of his daughter.

Father and mother become brother and sister of their own children, and

they all can become friends. It doesn't happen often, but when it does

happen it is as beautiful to watch as the dawn of a new day.

Author: Henri Nouwren