As parents, you feel guilty when you don’t think you’re doing enough, your kid doesn’t like you enough, or that you’re not giving enough. With addicts, this philosophy is counter-productive and gives them an opening to manipulate you into giving them money, a car, or access to people and places they shouldn’t go.

It’s not your job to be “popular” or your child’s friend. It’s your job to keep them safe. So, get off the guilt trip and do the right thing. Saying no is OK no matter how persuasive your child is or how big their tantrum gets.