To be your child's best friend or not?

Parenting has changed a lot over the years. Long gone are the days where kids are to be seen and not heard. For my entire life, I have been close with both my parents. In particular, my mom and I, more like a sisterhood kind of vibe. It's a different vibe with my dad, but I will always be his first-born daughter, so that comes with its own vibe. 

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For the most part, being open and friend-like to my folks has been good, but it can get heated as the lines between the role of parent and mate get blurred. Not so much now, but more in my teenage years.

At school I can remember a girl who was in my class, her mom used to go clubbing with her. For me, that's not my thing. Sure, I want my kids to feel comfortable to have their friends over at our house during all their stages of growing up, but they must know I'm the mom.

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I think as a parent your relationship goes through seasons with your children. In the beginning, it's a kind of 'listen to me so I can teach you' and hopefully as they grow up you become a confidante as opposed to a finger-wagging parent.

As for my kids and me, we are incredibly close, and both Mr T and I are nurturing a relationship with our kids that is open, and we encourage them to express how they feel and invite them to share. 

Mr T and I are besties and our kids know that. We love them with all our heart, but there are most certainly boundaries.

I want to know from you, is it healthy to be best friends with your child? And when does it cross the line - if at all?