Self-Compassion & Compassionate Parenting: Merging Self-Kindness with Raising Children
Self-Compassion & Compassionate Parenting: Merging Self-Kindness with Raising Children The Struggle Many parents feel an ache deep inside when their children misbehave. A father watches his daughters come home late, or a mother discovers her son hiding things. The first reaction is often guilt: “I failed. I must be a weak parent.” This guilt can grow into self-blame, leading to feelings of helplessness. But what if this struggle is not a verdict on your worth, but an invitation to shift? The Shift Instead of sinking into self-blame, compassionate parenting calls us to pause and reframe: “Their behavior reflects their stage, their environment, and their growth struggles. It does not erase my love, nor define my capability.” This is where self-compassion becomes a quiet revolution in parenting. When you are kind to yourself, you gain the inner space to be kind yet firm with your children. The Spark In psychology, Dr. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as...