Latest news with #familybond
CNA
11-07-2025
- General
- CNA
Parent or pal: Why you should not try so hard to be your child's 'friend'
I have always been fascinated by how my aunt has a remarkably close relationship with her son. Even when my cousin was overseas, she would call him almost every day. Across oceans, they shared updates on how life was going, celebrated milestones such as birthdays and even sent each other personalised care packages. When I asked how she built this bond, her advice was: "Be like a friend." Her suggestion gave me pause. It ran counter to the traditional approaches of strict, structured parenting that was more familiar to me. Caught between these perspectives, I wondered: Is being like a friend truly the right approach, or does it risk creating confusion for the child? HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND WHY RULES EXIST When I posed to experts the notion of friendly parenting, they all cautioned about the importance of maintaining the parent role, but agreed that a friendly approach may have benefits. Clinical psychologist Annabelle Chow, from mental healthcare provider Annabelle Psychology, said: "While it is important for parents to maintain appropriate boundaries, adopting a friendly stance can be highly beneficial. This means fostering a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, respected and understood." Counsellor Radhika Haralalka, from mental wellness and therapy centre The Other Clinic, said that "children have opinions and their opinions need to be valued". "That's the shift from your traditional, strict parenting," she said. "(It means) I am taking into consideration my child's opinion, not necessarily fully following it, but it is a more collaborative approach, rather than a 'do as I say, or else' approach." Positive "friendly parenting", the experts said, begins with active listening, consistent conversation and helping children understand why rules exist. Ms Haralalka stressed the importance of being someone children can talk to – someone who listens, validates and shows empathy. The role of parents is inherently different from that of a friend, where there is a natural hierarchy because of the responsibility of care and protection that parents need to fulfil towards the child. Assistant Professor Cheung Hoi Shan from the National Institute of Education, who studies the effects of parenting styles on children, said that it also means explaining the rationale behind a parent's expectations. For instance, when a child steps on the seats of an MRT train, the parent could explain that doing so would dirty the seat and inconvenience the next person who uses it. This is an example of "other-oriented induction", where the caregiver explains the impact that the child's behaviour has on others. Other suggestions include spending quality time together and involving children in age-appropriate problem-solving to help them feel empowered. For instance, you may offer the child two choices to pick when it comes to doing household chores. For older children, problem-solving tasks might include learning to divide up chores at home or guiding siblings to take turns explaining their side during a disagreement and encouraging them to suggest fair solutions. Dr Chow said: "With appropriate boundaries, these behaviours strengthen trust, encourage emotional vulnerability and model mutual respect." They also make children more likely to open up about their experiences. PARENTS AND THEIR FEARS That said, the experts cautioned that there is a risk of becoming too friendly, blurring the boundaries of the parental role. As Asst Prof Cheung warned, "'friendly parenting' does not necessarily mean that we become a friend to our child." She said: "The role of parents is inherently different from that of a friend, where there is a natural hierarchy because of the responsibility of care and protection that parents need to fulfil towards the child." If parents fall too far into the friend zone, they may fail to assert their authority, she noted. "It's important to recognise that being warm towards a child does not mean permissive parenting. Parents can be firm, but at the same time listen to the child's perspectives and help the child understand the rationale for setting the rules and expectations," she added. Ms Haralalka said that parents can become too permissive if they fear upsetting their child or have a strong desire to be liked and feel constantly connected – a pattern especially common among divorced parents. Dr Chow said that parents may have a "personal discomfort" with setting limits and boundaries. In wanting to avoid conflict, it can prevent them from setting boundaries confidently. This can result in overly friendly parenting, where the parent avoids imposing necessary discipline or expects responsibilities from the child beyond their developmental capacity. This may even go as far as treating the child as a confidante, where these parents may "overshare about their own problems, about their lives, about everything from their friendship and workplace problems to their marriage to the dating life to the sex life", Ms Haralalka said. There can be adverse consequences when this happens regularly. Faced with what seems like a parent who is unable to regulate emotions, children may feel emotionally unanchored and see rules as optional, making it harder for them to develop emotional self-regulation. THE BALANCING ACT Having established the pros and cons of friendly parenting, I asked the experts how to apply these principles to more specific situations. After all, each child's needs are different. "Parenting is the hardest job in the world," Ms Haralalka said. "The one tool parents can develop is the capacity to be reflective about their own parenting style, to emotionally regulate themselves and to be self-aware. "That means asking if this (parenting) style is what my child needs – is this helping or harming my child?" For example, reflection might reveal areas that have become too relaxed, such as bedtime routines, screen time or helping out with household chores. In these cases, Dr Chow suggested that parents explain the reasoning behind the new boundaries and help the children understand the boundaries come from a place of care, not control. When asserting boundaries, it is possible to acknowledge the child's feelings without giving in to their demands. To a child refusing to do their homework, Ms Haralalka proposed this response: "I know you don't want to do your homework and it's okay to feel upset about that. I'm here to help you manage your frustration but the homework still needs to be done. You can choose when to start, but it does have to get finished." It is not enough to set such boundaries – they must be enforced consistently. "Children may initially resist the new rules, but holding firm helps build a sense of predictability and emotional security," Dr Chow said. Ms Haralalka said that the boundaries you set may also depend on the age and maturity level of the child, where you can still offer the child choices within the limits of those boundaries. "For a young child, if you let them know what the plans are for the day, what you're going to do – it gives them that sense of control." The approach can differ for teenagers, where it may be impractical to enforce blanket restrictions such as total phone bans. "When it's a question of safety, children will comply more," Ms Haralalka said. For example, teenagers may be expected to stay contactable or let parents know where they are. BEING INTERESTED IN YOUR CHILD'S INTERESTS While these strategies may help establish healthy boundaries, I also wanted to know how a closer bond could be nurtured. Dr Chow said the key to this is that parents should avoid dismissing their child's experiences as trivial. 'It's important to recognise that children are growing up in a society shaped by different pressures, social norms and the pervasive influence of social media. Parents should try approaching these differences with curiosity and empathy.' Ms Haralalka advocated for "delighting in your child" – taking a genuine interest in their world and being willing to join them there. "For a very young child, it can mean joining in a game of building blocks or building sandcastles, going cycling with them," she said. "As they grow, it may mean playing video games together and enjoying it as a way to connect." Attunement comes from staying curious. "When you're attuned to your child, you know what they need and what their interests are," she added. Dr Chow said that the generational gap between parent and child is not a single hurdle to overcome, but that it is an ongoing shift that requires flexibility and openness. "By embracing this mindset, parents can foster emotional resilience, mutual respect and a strong meaningful connection with their children," she said.
News.com.au
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
NEWS OF THE WEEK: Ariana Grande mourns death of grandma at 99
The Wicked star reshared a heartbreaking statement posted by her mother, Joan Grande, about Marjorie's death. "We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away," the statement signed by Grande and her family reads. "Marjorie (Nonna) Grande passed away peacefully in her home and was surrounded by family and loved ones for every moment of her last few weeks. We thank you for your love, support, and for respecting our privacy as we grieve and celebrate her beautiful, extraordinary life." Grande and her grandmother shared a close bond.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From TikTok Trends to Timeless Keepsakes: Gifts for Daughters She'll Adore
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." As both a daughter myself and mom to two girls, I know just how special that familial bond is. Whether she's the oldest daughter who's ready to take charge of any situation or she's mommy or daddy's little angel (or a little bit of both!), she's a cherished and irreplaceable part of your family. It's easy to see why you want to celebrate all of her life's major moments! From birthdays (how is she another year older?!) to graduations or even her wedding, these times deserve to be celebrated in style. But let's be honest—finding a gift that's as meaningful as your love for her and cool enough to match her unique style can feel like a tall order. You might be seeking the best TikTok gifts for your plugged-in Gen Z'er who's always up to date on the latest trends, or perhaps you need some advice in the teenage girl gifts department since your Lululemon-obsessed daughter has a very long wishlist. Or maybe, your daughter is a new mom who just brought home your very first grandchild. Whatever her 'thing' is and whichever life stage she's reached, you're sure to find a special gift for her on this list. Ranging from wardrobe staples to personalized jewelry, there are a variety of great ideas for parents to give their daughters this year. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for your little girl or your now all-grown-up daughter, there are so many different ways to say, 'I love you' to your daughter. More gifts for your girl: Best Gifts for Her For Every Occasion | Gifts 11-Year-Old Girls Are Sure to Love | Gifts for Any and Every 10 Year Old GirlFrom teenage girls to moms of teens, every daughter will appreciate this little device that lets her wirelessly print her favorite pics on the go. No need to worry about ink cartridges or toner — just connect via Bluetooth and print away! I received this as a gift a few months ago and have had the most fun printing out pictures of my toddler with it instead of going the old-fashioned route and remembering every few months and printing them at the pharmacy. $69.99 at dish towel might be a bit cheeky, but she can totally admit it's true — Mom really was right about pretty much everything. $7.89 at never seems like we have enough hands to grab our bag, water bottle, groceries, kids — and no wonder! This bracelet key ring will free up her hands of at least one thing: her car keys. And she'll never have to tear her purse apart looking for them again. $13.99 at your jet-setting gal is constantly catching her next flight to come visit you or vacation with friends, she'll love taking this duffel bag along. It qualifies as a personal item on most airlines, so she can still use her rolling suitcase as a carry-on while adding so much extra packing space. The bottom compartment stores shoes to keep your belongings clean and theres even a trolley strap with a zippered pouch to keep her wallet close. It's a travel essential she'll wonder how she ever got on without. $33.99 at salon-quality manicures can add up—that is unless you know about none other than the Duchess of Sussex's secret weapon. I tried this viral nail polish set and can confirm: it dries almost instantly and leaves nails pristine for a whole week, if not longer. She'll love how quick and easy it makes getting a great looking manicure—and how much money she'll save. $39.00 at love our emotional support water bottles, but they can be a bit cumbersome, to say the least. This useful little crossbody will leave her totally hands-free with a spot for her bottle, phone, cards, and lip gloss — all the essentials covered! Our editors are huge fans of the Wanderfull, as is Oprah! $59.00 at you know each month has its very own birth flower? Green thumb or not, this simple grow kit is something she'll enjoy for weeks to come, and it's a gift she'll truly never expect. $36.00 at may have never heard of this kitchen gadget, yet, but it'll quickly become her most-prized possession. It can act as a warming tray for prepared food, a quick-defrost station, a bottle warmer, and even a place to ferment dough faster. It has a handy strap to keep it rolled tightly when stored and even comes with a cloth travel case. $49.99 at this inexpensive ring dish to go with a new set of earrings or a special new ring as a sweet finishing touch on a beautiful gift. The single-letter personalization gives it a customized feel without the customized price tag. $14.99 at gorgeous glass cross is a sentimental gift that she'll cherish for years, whether she hangs it in a window, places it on her Christmas tree as an ornament, or uses it as a paperweight. $16.81 at her up with a year of quick and easy-to-digest devotionals that'll get her in the Word on a daily basis. This book has passages written by a number of respected christian authors, like Joni Eareckson Tada, Lydia Brownback, Jen Wilkin, and more. If you really want to make it special, get two and go through this devotional with her! $14.42 at necklaces are wildly trendy right now, but none will make for as personalized and sweet a gift as this one. Choose up to seven charms to include, some of which can be engraved with personalized messages or names. $19.50 at feel like she's walking on a cloud with these cozy clogs. They come in twelve different colors and have a hard soled-bottom so she can wear them outside. $19.99 at old high school t-shirts might be comfy to sleep in, but odds are they're looking a little worse for wear at this point. Upgrade her nighttime wardrobe with this cute satin pajama set that's just a bit more sophisticated than her t-shirt collection. Bonus: satin is great for hot sleepers. $25.98 at she's in her first place by herself, a newlywed, or has a family of little mouths to feed, we can all use a go-to cookbook that has an arsenal of easy recipes to combat the weekday blues, and this Ina Garten one is just that. You'll never get another 3 p.m. text saying "What do I make for dinner?!" again. Instead, expect a 7 p.m. picture of "OMG, this was delicious, Mom!" I've made multiple recipes from this cookbook and am pleased every time. $17.00 at she doesn't have this viral tumbler, then take this as your sign to get her one. Yes, they are just as great as everyone makes them out to be — so many of our CL editors have them! If she does have an emotional support water bottle already, then consider snagging her one of our favorite Stanley accessories instead. $39.70 at are two types of women in the world: those who carry wallets with just the necessities and those who carry bags with anything and everything you could ever need. The latter will love this vegan leather tote. Bonus: This faux leather tote is one of Amazon's all-time best sellers, so take that as a guarantee that she'll love it. $16.99 at it feel like just yesterday you were buying her that massive Vera Bradley duffel for Christmas (that she probably still uses)? Bring a bit of nostalgia back this year with this adorable backpack bag charm. Bag charms and Vera Bradley are all the rage right now, so combine both for an ultra-trendy gift she'll be super impressed with. You might have used it as a coin purse in days' past, but she'll love storing her AirPods in it. $12.50 at your daughter always on TikTok? If so, she's probably had these spa headbands on her list for a while. This set of two gets rave reviews and comes in a ton of other color combos. Bonus: when she has two then she'll never have to worry about not having one on hand! $8.09 at and sweet (just like her!), this bracelet can be personalized with her name or nickname. Choose from three different metal options, four font picks, and the birthstone. $25.50 at the secret weapon of every pro crafter and event throwing extraordinaire. Get ready for all the monogrammed and personalized presents after you gift her this. $129.00 at probably remember the first time Crocs became popular and how obsessed she was with them. Hear me out—the Crocs of today have come a long way from the ones she wore so many years ago! They're all the rage again, so she'll be super excited to get a pair, whether she wears them out and about to run errands or just in her own garden. $54.99 at buying the $150+ sweatsuit that everyone is raving about isn't in the budget, then get this Amazon lounge set instead. It's basically the same thing — just as comfortable, tons of color options, and no one will guess the difference in price! $49.99 at matter how many miles separate the two of you, you'll always know she has a piece of your heart. This necklace set makes a perfect mother-daughter gift to share with a child, as well as a sweet gift for an adult daughter who can share it with her own young one. $14.99 at You Might Also Like 70 Impressive Tiny Houses That Maximize Function and Style 30+ Paint Colors That Will Instantly Transform Your Kitchen
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Freddy Brazier enjoys relaxing pamper day amid family feud after defying dad Jeff by posting clip with nan Jackiey despite 'weed smoking' row
Freddy Brazier shared a glimpse of his relaxing pamper day on Instagram on Wednesday, after being embroiled in his family's legal war. The 20-year-old had defied his dad Jeff by sharing a new TikTok on Tuesday which included a picture of his nan Jackiey Budden. In a string of snaps and videos on Instagram Stories, Freddy revealed he treated himself to an early-morning sunbed. After the session, he then headed to the salon for a pedicure, and posted a clip of the treatment on social media. Earlier this week Freddy defied his dad Jeff Brazier by sharing a new TikTok which included a picture of his nan Jackiey Budden amid the family's legal war. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The picture was from the day Freddy and Jackiey were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad Jeff's war to block contact. He has reportedly been living with his grandmother for the past week and clearly shares a close bond with her. Freddy was seen puffing with his gran, 68, in front of tourists near Tower Bridge in South London this week, after the Mail On Sunday revealed Freddy had been living with his maternal grandmother for a week. He cut a casual figure in a burgundy top and beige shorts while Jackie wore her own joggers rolled up to her knees and sported bandages on her hands, with onlookers telling The Sun that she was 'acting erratically'. They told the publication: 'The pair were puffing away in the open, in full view of tourists passing by and there was an aromatic smell in the air. It didn't seem to be normal tobacco they were smoking'. Meanwhile Jackiey said: 'As long as Freddy smokes with me he's safe. At least I know what he's smoking as it's nasty out there.' Now Freddie on Tuesday has returned to TikTok with Jackiey in a slideshow video captioned: 'Why don't we fall in love.' He uploaded a series of individual images against the backing track to Amerie's song of the same name. The picture was from the day Freddy and Jackiey were spotted smoking suspicious cigarettes after their recent reconciliation, despite his dad Jeff's war to block contact Snaps included ones showing him lying on the grass with a dog and playing football. Freddy previously took to his TikTok with a video of himself and Jackiey performing a trend as they danced alongside a female pal to a song which shockingly used the N word. The lyrics said: 'She's my n****r for a reason, I can tell her for a reason, because I know that she'll keep them and nothing will come between us'. MailOnline have contacted Bobby and Jackiey's reps for comment. Freddy lost his mother Jade when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer in 2009, and has since been raised by his dad Jeff. Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed last month the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'. Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy, who was restricted from seeing Jackiey by his dad after he filed court paperwork, spent last week at her home in Bermondsey, after reuniting despite his father's efforts to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they've always had a strong bond 'Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much. 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat – where he has often stayed over the years. 'Whatever Jeff hoped to achieve with his legal efforts, it hasn't worked.' The Sun On Sunday also reported that Jeff now has a court date for his legal battle with Jackiey. It has sparked a vicious war of words between the pair, with furious Jackiey saying she knew nothing about his legal bid before it was leaked to a newspaper – and insisting that Freddy, who is now 20, is old enough to make his own decisions. And sitting down with The Mail afterwards, she raged: 'I could ruin him if I wanted to. I just need to make sense of it all. I only found out about this court business when he told the newspapers about it – he didn't even tell me himself. 'He's never liked Freddy being with me. He says it's because I smoke and give him drugs. Listen, Fred was fully involved when he was with his dad. I'm talking about drugs; that boy had his first bit of weed at fourteen. 'He never took a puff at my house until he was 16. I smoke with him, but he was safe with me because I knew what he was smoking; it was in my house. 'There have been issues for a few years ago Jeff has been trying to stop Freddy from seeing me, but he's 20 years old now and he has to be allowed to make his own decisions and do what he wants to do for himself. 'He used to lie to Jeff about where he was, but about a year and a half ago I asked 'Does your Dad know you're here?' and he just replied Yes,' and said he was sick of lying about it.' But this weekend Freddy returned to his grandmother's home, in a move likely to infuriate Jeff who has long disliked Jackiey's close relationship with late Big Brother star Jade's sons. Freddy and his older brother Bobby remained close to the 67-year-old after their mother's tragic death from cancer in 2009, aged just 27. The family feud was highlighted again in 2023 when Jeff insisted Jackiey should not attend the BBC Strictly Come Dancing studios where Bobby was competing. Her notable absent came after a period of estrangement, but she and Bobby later reconciled. It's understood the young EastEnders actor was heartbroken to be caught in the middle of the disagreement between his father and grandmother – telling friends the feud was 'extremely hurtful'.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princes Eugenie reveals the most important lesson she learned from her mother Sarah Ferguson
Princess Eugenie has revealed the most important life given to her by her mother, Sarah Ferguson. During a recent interview for Cressida Bonas's podcast, Lessons From Our Mothers, the youngest of Prince Andrew's brood said learning to harness one's inner strength was one of the most important lessons she had gleaned from her mother. The daughters of the Duchess of York, Princessess Eugenie, 35, and Beatrice, 36, are known to share a close bond with Sarah and even refer to themselves as the 'tripod '. Both appeared on the podcast last month, joined by hosts Cressida and Isabella Branson, to reflect on what thy had learned from Sarah over the years. Revealing the most important takeaway from her upbringing, Eugenie said: 'I think for me, it's the fire inside, you know, the strength inside of you. And how to bring that out, and to pull it in when you most need it'. The sisters emphasised the importance of 'collaborating' with one another to source solutions, something else they had picked up from Sarah, affectionately known as Fergie. 'The forced collaboration, you're slightly annoyed about because she's pushing on a bit of a nerve, but the forced collaboration and that joy of the making up at the end was a big part of what she instilled in us,' Beatrice said. 'This sense that it's OK to feel, it's OK to push on those emotions, but you have to figure out what the resolution looks like as well. So she was very resolution-driven,' the royal added. 'The more I get to know her in my life, the more incredible this woman is becoming. As a mum, she is becoming more effervescent in her ability to bring joy,' she gushed, adding that Sarah was now 'reaching her greatness' aged 64. Achievements that Beatrice was particularly proud of given 'what's she been through in the last year', predominately related to her various 'health issues'. The Duchess, who shares Beatrice and Eugenie with ex-husband Prince Andrew, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, just months before receiving another diagnosis for malignant melanoma. Though she remains positive, having recently described feeling 'better than ever', the mother-of-two has been told by doctors to avoid the phrase 'cancer free'. Reflecting on Sarah's strength and compassion for other's battling cancer, Beatrice said: 'She loves nothing more than meeting people and those that are also suffering from cancer because there's so much empathy there.' She added that she was grateful to still have her mother 'around' for when she herself 'needs mothering'. Reflecting on their own bond, Beatrice and Eugenie credited their close relationship to their mother's lose ties to her sister, Jane. It comes just days after Princess Eugenie shared a rare glimpse into her own life as a mother, sharing a sweet tribute to her 'golden boy', Ernest, as she celebrated his second birthday with husband, Jack Brooksbank. On Friday, she shared a series of photographs of her sons Ernest, two, and August, four, to mark her youngest's birthday on Friday. In one photograph, Ernest is thrown into the air by his father while on a snowy ski trip. In another, he plays in the mud with his four-year-old brother. Ernie is also seen being held by his mother while on a ski trip, the youngster bundled up in a bright teal snowsuit and holding firmly to a lion-shaped comforter. And in another, he adorably wears a pair of sunglasses upside-down. The mother-of-two said: 'Happy Birthday my darling Ernie. 2 today! And what an incredible two years it's been. 'Always smiling, always laughing, always giving hugs and hello's and making everyone happy. 'My golden boy, we love you!' In other pictures from the rare snapshot, Ernie and August are seen holding hands as they walk down a street in London, with another picturing them together on an airplane. Eugenie recently opened up about the 'sense of shame' she felt when she first saw her scoliosis scar. In a rare, wide-ranging interview, the royal mother-of-two, 34, also discussed how her Sarah Ferguson raised her to be proud of her scar after she went underwent surgery at the age of 12. In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter had rods inserted into her spine after she was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and told that she would need corrective surgery. After the eight-hour operation, Prince Andrew's daughter spent three days in intensive care, a week on a spinal ward and six days in a wheelchair before she was able to walk again. Speaking to The Telegraph, Eugenie revealed she had a 'sense of shame' when she couldn't wash or dress herself and was shown her scar, which runs down her neck and spine. However, she claimed her mother, the Duchess of York, removed all the stigma about the scar and helped her see it in a positive light. Eugenie said: 'She was amazing. She'd ask me if she could show it to people, then she'd turn me around and say, "my daughter is superhuman, you've got to check out her scar". 'All of sudden it was a badge of honour – a cool thing I had. It trained my brain that it's ok, scars are cool.'
