I'm Not Your Friend, I'm Your Parent: Helping Your Children Set the Boundaries They Need...and Really Want

by E.D. Hill

Fox News host and busy mother of eight E. D. Hill offers the antidote to permissive parenting by giving parents permission to be in charge. Instructional and conversational, I'm Not Your Friend, I'm Your Parent challenges parents to reclaim their roles, make the hard decisions, and put their children's characters and well-being ahead of peer pressue and social status. With entertaining stories from her own family and those of others she has encountered in her profession as a journalist, E. D. tackles parental

Genres: Parenting

221 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2008

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard Bill O'Reilly talking to the author on his radio show and I was intrigued because she has 8 kids. Turns out she didn't actually give birth to 8 kids and she evidently doesn't always have custody of 8 kids, but she does give some down-to-earth common-sense parenting advice.

I don't think I learned much from this book, except that I could write a book just as good...'ceptin' I'm not an attractive TV anchorwoman who regularly appears on Bill O'Reilly...so who would read my book?

[Genny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I am just going to express my politics here a bit...and say that I don't normally seek out, or have a lot of interest in opinions from those on Fox News. I found myself pretty much on the opposite side of the spectrum with most of what those associated with Fox have to say/stand for. But I totally agree with the idea that I am parent...not a my daughter's best friend. And so before checking this one out of the library, I spent some time reading the first section. Surprisingly, I am so far in agreement with most of what Ms Hill has to say. So I am anxious to continue reading. Just goes to show you...don't judge a book (or a news station) solely on its cover.

I know that I will not be a permissive parent. I firmly believe it is my job to help my daughter become a strong, confident, caring member of our society. I don't believe that my job is to be her best friend, but to be the adult in this relationship, and I fully expect there will be days when she hates me because of something I will not let her do, or ask her do. Being a parent is not an easy job sometimes.

This book was filled with stories from the author and some of her readers about their successes, and challenges with being a parent. I can't say that I learned anything new, or had a major "ah ha" moment, but I found this to be a fun, engaging read. I liked knowing that I am not alone out there believing that children do need (and want) boundaries, to know that if they break the rules there will be consequences, and that growing up does not mean just getting to do what ever they want.

I suspect that anyone who picks this book up is already of the same mindset as the author on this topic, but it provides reinforcement that this is the right thing to do to help your child(ren) to be as successful as possible and to enter society with the skills to be a productive member of society. Someone that you as the parent could be proud of, but also that they can be proud of themselves.

[Aubrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Self esteem can’t be built into children.” 👀 would give 0 stars if I could.

[Maria K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great go-to-book when I'm trying to figure out certain behavior issues with my children or if I just want to know that I'm not alone in the parenting world! Hill has good, practical advice on from tantrums to manners to allowances. Although, I don't need them now, I like the sample contracts parents can use for "home rules" (ie. curfews, alcohol, driving, chores, computer, telephone, etc) and for driving. It's not preachy or confusing - it's straight forward and common-sense wisdom from a mother of eight.

[Kathe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really read this for advice or instruction as much as I really just found myself enjoying the read of someone who shares many of my veiws on parenting. The next time I am called into battle(which seems to be neither few nor far inbetween), it's nice to know Mrs. Hill, and those like her 'have got my back kiddos.'

[Tosha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this would be a good book to read from a mother of 8, but felt it was a lot of what I was already doing and just commen sense.... to me

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It has a lot of good information to let parents know it is ok to say no to their kids not just to say no but to help guide them to make good choices.

[Mindi Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't relate to much of the parenting advice here, but she had some great points about non-permissive parenting, teaching children manners, allowance suggestions, etc.

[Nollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially liked he parts about manners and dealing with issues as kids get older.