Being a parent vs. being a friend to your child

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Being a parent vs. being a friend to your child

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Why is it important to be a parent and not a friend to your kids? Well, I mean I think that's a really kind of grey area these days. I think dads especially have a much bigger role in my generation than they did in, say, when I was a kid. And my father used to always say to me, "Remember, I'm your father, not your friend." Well I think that's different today because a certain part of me really wants to be my son or my daughter's friend because I still remember what it was like to be a kid and I know what they're going through and I want to help them. But I do think it's super important to try and limit yourself from being too much of a friend to your kid. I think it's super important; I think they want you to be a parent. I think they want you to be that figure of authority that tells them when they're doing something that's right and doing something that's wrong, and somebody for them to look up to. They don't really want a peer; they really want a parent. And I think that's super important. So try and be as much of a parent as you can. Be a friend every once in a while, but remind them that you're their parent and not their friend.

Watch Neil Tardio's video on Being a parent vs. being a friend to your child...

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Neil Tardio

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Neil Tardio is a Los Angeles based director whose work spans across commercials, music videos, television/web series, and screenwriting.  He has won numerous awards including four Cannes Lions, four Clios, two London Art Directors Awards, 12 Addys, and 30 Tellys, exceeding more than 100 honors. His spot "Joint Man", for A Partnership with a Drug Free America, was nominated for an Emmy.

After graduating from Boston University, Tardio began his career as an agency producer and writer for such agencies as Saatchi & Saatchi and DDB/Chicago before launching into a full time directing career. Tardio’s first assignment as a director was to create the 1992 Peabody Award winning “Rock The Vote” special for Madonna.

Tardio went on to direct 32 episodes of a children’s sports program called PE TV, which aired on channel 1, and then ESPN.  He co-created and directed the web series, Lifeisode.   Tardio has directed music videos for numerous acts, most notably for The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queen Latifia.  His original screenplay, Son of Santa, was sold to United Artists and he is currently writing a television series with Mitch Hurwitz. Tardio is attached to direct the feature film ShortCut Man based on the critically acclaimed novel by  P.G. Sturges.  

Tardio’s work packs the double whammy - funny and award winning. Now at Third Street Mining Company, his work exhibits realistic characters, witty style, and an attention to detail that exemplifies the highest standard of commercial work. He recently finished major successful campaigns for ESPN, Coke, AT&T, Volkswagen, Virgin, Budweiser, and Burger King to name a few.

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Transcription: 
Why is it important to be a parent and not a friend to your kids? Well, I mean I think that's a really kind of grey area these days. I think dads especially have a much bigger role in my generation than they did in, say, when I was a kid. And my father used to always say to me, "Remember, I'm your father, not your friend." Well I think that's different today because a certain part of me really wants to be my son or my daughter's friend because I still remember what it was like to be a kid and I know what they're going through and I want to help them. But I do think it's super important to try and limit yourself from being too much of a friend to your kid. I think it's super important; I think they want you to be a parent. I think they want you to be that figure of authority that tells them when they're doing something that's right and doing something that's wrong, and somebody for them to look up to. They don't really want a peer; they really want a parent. And I think that's super important. So try and be as much of a parent as you can. Be a friend every once in a while, but remind them that you're their parent and not their friend.