Nepal, Jan. 13 -- Lately, I've observed a pattern in modern family dynamics: parenting tends to fall into two dysfunctional categories-either extreme leniency or an overemphasis on friendship and trust. This polarisation appears to hinder parents from maintaining the balanced, authoritative approach necessary for healthy child development.

The busy, materialistic ambition of parents has led them to forget that they are the adults and guides in this relationship, not merely their child's friend, resulting in a misinterpretation of 'friendly' parenting.

My recent experience with two well-educated families on the same day highlights the serious consequences of this imbalance. In one case, the parent created a highly permissive environment,...