Definition of parent

[Kheldarson]

So this article popped up in my FB feed:

http://www.wchstv.com/news/features/...l#.Vfld6ezD_qB

Essence is that Kim Cattrall stated in an interview that she considers herself a parent because she mentors other actors and is involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews.

I think it's great that she's a mentor and loving figure in the lives of these young adults and kids, but I don't think that puts her in a parenting role since she's not there necessarily on a continuous basis.

What say you all?

[TheHuckster]

Heh, my mind went straight for the racism defense, "I'm not childless! My friends are children!"

I mean, yeah, I think there's a stigma or stereotype against childless people that they dislike kids, and she could be trying to counter those suggestions. Certainly, though, as far as I am concerned, you really don't have the full parenting experience until you're with them 24/7, and you have a unique, family-like bond with them where the children consider you a parent in their own right. I could see the latter happen with her nieces and nephews, provided she's got that type of relationship with them, but it takes a lot of time and effort to get to that level.

[Shangri-laschild]

Mentoring and helping out with other people's kids is definitely not the same. I love my niece and nephew and being around them but it is honestly not the same as if I had my own. That's actually part of what makes it more relaxing for me because it doesn't come with the same full time responsibility and obligation levels that I know I couldn't handle.