The line between being a parent and a friend to your adult children can be a tricky one to walk. You want to support them, guide them, but also, be someone they genuinely enjoy spending time with.

So how do you strike that balance? How do you morph from just ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ into a trusted confidant and friend, too?

Well, it turns out there are certain behaviors that can pave the way to this unique bond. And those who’ve successfully navigated this transition have a few things in common.

Here are eight behaviors typically displayed by those who’ve become close friends with their adult children. Let’s dive in.

1) They communicate openly

Open lines of communication are fundamental in any relationship, more so when it’s between parents and their adult children.

These parents don’t just talk—they converse. They share their lives, ask about their children’s lives, and really listen to the responses.

It’s a two-way street; not just passing down instructions or advice, but also accepting thoughts and opinions from their adult children.

This open communication builds trust and mutual respect—essential components for a close friendship.

2) They respect boundaries

This hits close to home for me, as I’ve experienced it firsthand with my own parents. As I grew into adulthood, they adapted their approach to parenting. They began to grasp the importance of personal space and boundaries.

For instance, they’d always check if it was a good time before delving into serious conversations or offering advice. They refrained from meddling in my personal affairs unless I asked for their input.

Their respect for my boundaries made me feel appreciated as an adult and paved the way for our relationship to flourish beyond the parent-child dynamic. It allowed us to forge a friendship grounded in mutual respect.

3) They share mutual interests

Shared activities are key in building strong parent-child relationships.

Parents who grow close to their adult children often bond over shared hobbies or interests. It could be anything from gardening to vintage cars to binge-watching the same TV series.

These shared interests give them common ground, spark interesting conversations, and open up opportunities for quality time together. It’s in these shared moments that a deeper bond of friendship often blossoms.

4) They offer support without judgment

Parents who build a strong friendship with their adult children have a knack for offering support without being judgmental. They understand that their adult children are bound to make mistakes and face challenges.

Instead of criticizing or belittling their choices, these parents provide a safe environment where their children feel comfortable sharing their fears, failures, and successes.

By offering unconditional support and understanding, they strengthen the bond with their children, fostering a friendship built on trust and mutual respect.

5) They express love and appreciation

Being a parent doesn’t stop with adulthood. The role merely evolves. And one way it evolves is by expressing love and appreciation more openly.

Parents who become close friends with their adult children often make it a point to say “I love you” or “I’m proud of you.” They don’t shy away from expressing their feelings.

These heartfelt expressions of love and appreciation serve as affirmations that strengthen the bond. It reminds the child, regardless of their age, that they are cherished and valued. It’s this open display of affection that helps nurture a deep friendship between parent and child.

6) They apologize when they’re wrong

There was a time when I made a mistake in handling a situation with my daughter. Instead of brushing it under the rug, I apologized sincerely. I admitted my error and asked for her understanding.

This not only showed her that I’m human and make mistakes too, but it also demonstrated that I value our relationship enough to own up to my faults.

Parents who can apologize to their adult children show humility and respect. It shows that they see their children as equals. This authentic behavior can significantly enhance the friendship between them.

7) They encourage independence

Parents who are close friends with their adult children are often their biggest cheerleaders. They encourage their children to pursue their dreams, make their own decisions, and live independently.

Instead of trying to control or overly protect, these parents understand the importance of letting go. They know that for their children to grow, they need the freedom to experience life on their own terms.

By encouraging independence, these parents show their adult children that they trust them and believe in their abilities. This trust can significantly strengthen the bond of friendship between them.

8) They make time for each other

Regardless of how busy life may get, parents who are close friends with their adult children prioritize spending quality time together. They understand the importance of creating memories and maintaining the emotional connection.

This could be as simple as regular phone calls, family dinners, or vacations. The key is consistency and the intention to connect.

This dedicated time together is often the foundation on which this unique friendship is built. It allows for shared experiences and deep conversations that strengthen the bond, making the parent-child relationship evolve into a beautiful and lasting friendship.

Parenting: From roots to friendship – nurturing bonds that grow stronger

As parents, we invest years in nurturing our children, witnessing their growth into adulthood. As they mature, so too must our relationship with them.

The shift from a parent-child dynamic to a close friendship doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, understanding, and the courage to let go of old roles while embracing new ones.

It’s about fostering mutual respect, open communication, shared experiences, and above all, unconditional love. It’s recognizing that your child has grown into an equal, a friend, not just your offspring.

These behaviors we’ve talked about go beyond habits—they’re stepping stones to a deeper bond. A bond that can transform the traditional parent-child relationship into a unique friendship.