Inspiration for this group of articles (listed below) comes from Jack Canfield’s bestseller - How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. I am taking the principles from the book and applying them to life as a parent.
Most of the time we get it right, inevitably there are times when we get it wrong. We lose our patience prematurely, fail to check all the facts, or simply make an error of judgement. How can we learn from those times and move on with minimal guilt?
1. Acknowledge you try your best
As parents we set ourselves high standards, and punish ourselves when we fail to reach the giddy heights of perfection. Acknowledging that you try your best helps keep the evil monster, guilt, at bay.
2. Acknowledge that your minor mistakes won’t ruin your kids’ life
Over-doing the discipline one time, punishing the wrong sibling, or making one bad call isn’t going to result in your kid hating you forever or going off the rails. In fact, it probably does them good to see us get it wrong and experience a little injustice, it won’t be the only time they experience it in life.
3. Learn from the experience
What did I do wrong, what can I do better next time.
5. Say sorry
Apologise if you made a mistake or got it wrong. Getting something wrong and saying sorry will teach our kids more than if we never made a mistake at all. Don’t try to hide the fact you got it wrong, I’m guilty of this sometimes, your kids will know that you got it wrong or over-reacted and will simply imitate you when they get it wrong.
6. Remind yourself that you are a good parent
Remember that most of the time you are a great parent, who makes good decisions.
How do you handle it when you get it wrong?
Other Articles in the Series:
Compartmentalizing Time
Remember Your Purpose Outside of Parenting
Aim High
Get Organised
Be One Step Ahead
An Hour of Powerful Parenting
How To Ask For Help
(This post is the final part)
2 Responses to “Parenting: When You Get It Wrong”
I think the admitting you are wrong is the hardest but most important bit. Also admitting that some days you are just in a BAD MOOD to your child (once they are old enough to understand!) and that you reserve the right to send yourself to your room for a time out if you feel you need one.
They absolutely need to know that we are not perfect and therefore they do not have to be perfect to “live up to us”
I think it’s of major importance that your children see that you can acknowledge a mistake too.
They don’t expect perfection but they do expect kindness and saying your sorry just means you’re kind and human.