@suscros68- hmmmm. I'm not sure that I agree with wanting to be something other than a parent to my son. My son and I are on a very friendly basis, phew! But if I give him an inch of too much a friend then I am very uncomfortable. At first I wanted to be his idol and best friend but that wasn't such a bright idea on my part.. He's not my equal as far as age goes. I've lived 26 more years than he has and have had experiences that I would not want him to have. I deserve to be respected. I think that as children get older- more towards 40's see see us more as people too.