Forgiving Yourself as a Parent: A Journey to Healing Forgiveness is an important part of parenting, and accepting our errors. How Mother can forgive herself for parenting errors? — A MANY-FACETED approach
Assess the Situation
First, objectively observe what has provoked the sense of guilt or regret. Decide on particular actions or decisions that you consider to have been an error. This survey will not only identify where forgiveness is needed, but for what.
Guilt is ok … but in moderation
Feeling some guilt is par for the course when failing at parenting. Accept the emotion that arises but do not allow it to get a hold of you. This can be the first step towards healing and shame plays a role in it, but its really important not to stay forever on that feel of guilt.
Realize Where You Went Wrong. Be Responsible for Your Actions
You need to be accountable for the things you do. You need to apologize and own up to your mistakes; it is good modelling for them, that we all make errors but also learn from the experience. 4
Sincere Apologies Matter
Apologize sincerely, to your children if that is the case. It not only helps in fixing the relationship but also shows that you have humility and need to make up for it.
Forgive Yourself
This is usually the hardest part, but it’s important. Everybody makes mistakes, of course not all families and parents are perfect. Forgiving oneself frees you from carrying any past burdens.
Let Experience Teach You
Review to axiom of learning from mistake. Will feed guilt into learnings that can actually help you be a better parent in the future.
Make Time for Yourself
Taking care of self is key to balance. You can rest and come back with more ideas to parent your child.
Consider What’s Important
Instead, focus on the way you want your children to be as they grow up. Choose loving, empathetic endurance over perfectionism in parenting.
In short, forgiving yourself as a mother is about reflecting of your feelings and failings in the role remembering that it was only one component. Realize your flaws are part of YOUR journey as a mother