Marriage and Kids Advice

My friend, Jesse's parents were visiting LA and having lunch at the Farmer's Market on 3rd street. Married for 38 years I thought they'd be a good couple to film together and get their views on marriage and kids. They enjoy each other and it's obvious to see. When asked about kids, Hani said, "Don't be strict." It turns out he wasn't always so easy. Donna was the pushover. But, I wonder if that's what worked - having that balance. I'm told parents should be on the same page about discipline - especially so kids don't get mixed signals or play one parent off of another. If any of you who have raised kids have opinions, I'm curious to hear them (use the comment box just below this post).

Hani was born and raised in Egypt. He moved to Ohio 50 years ago, where Donna was raised her whole life. A salesman by trade, Hani is also a painter in his free time. At the end of the interview, Donna talked a little further about their marriage. She added, "We're old friends, too. We became friends, too. You can be lovers and then you can be friends. Friends is a really important piece of any marriage or any commitment... because love is, you know, great - but you have to be friends, too. You have to respect each other.

Donna and Hani, married for 38 years.