On the flip-side you might've said "My parents just wanted to be my friend, so I didn't tell them about my abuse. After all, they'd never shown a backbone. Why would I think they could solve my problem?"

From what I see in raising my children (poorly, as we all must), the balance you want is "authority without oppression". e.g. "I'm the leader on this road trip of life, and I'm actively training you to take over every responsibility you're capable of" as opposed to, say, "I'm the leader so SIT DOWN."

Being a "buddy" (Tiger Mom / Kitten Dad) gives your children no one to rely on when the life hits the fan.