Thursday, October 01, 2009

Parental Guilt

Faces of mother and child; detail of sculpture...Image via Wikipedia

By Dr James Dobson

In case you haven't noticed, parenthood is a very guilt-producing endeavor, even for the dedicated professional.

Since there's no such creature as a perfect parent, we subject ourselves to a constant cross-examination in the courtroom of parental acceptability.

Round and round go the self-doubts and recriminations, and guilt becomes a constant companion. The best way to handle guilt is to face it squarely, using it as a source of motivation for change where warranted. I would suggest that parents sit down together and discuss their feelings. Write down your most troubling parental shortcomings. Then ask yourselves: "Is my guilt valid? Can I do anything about it?"

Remember that none of us can be perfect parents. We get tired and frustrated, and disappointed and irritable, and it can affect the way we approach those little ones around our feet.

Fortunately, we are permitted to make many mistakes through the years, provided the overall tone is somewhere near the right note.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 02-Sep-2009


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