I know at least two mothers in my immediate social circle that refused to go hard on their kids because they feared the kids would run away from home. Both have paid and continue to pay the price for this mistake.
Where does this fear come from?
it might be an off-set of the 'best friend syndrome' where parents are so busy trying to be buddies to their kids that they forget all about disciplined parenting. i have seen it happen, by all means be friends with your kids but do not let the lines get blurred as to who's the boss, they will thank you for it later for sure.