We love our children. It’s really important that we check ourselves now and then, to make sure we’ve forgiven them of — anything and everything.
Whilst I’ve written before about helping our children to learn to forgive, I don’t think I’ve addressed what might be our own weakness, and to ensure we forgive others, in particular our own children.
Issues we may hold over a child
- Chooses the other parent over ourselves
- Lies and holds a secret from us
- Open defiance
- Temper tantrum
- Failing grades
- Underachieving / Not measuring up to our expectations
- Substance abuse
- Other
When we forgive
Hope springs out of forgiveness. It isn’t that our child “gets away with bad behaviour” but rather that, when we forgive, there is then room for his/her own conscience to convict. A person’s own conviction is far more powerful to help than is our own unforgiveness.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean there’s no consequence to bad behaviour, but rather that you can partner together to work on their weaknesses.
Children want boundaries
On different platforms I’ve written about how desperately children need and want boundaries. When they are restricted in a protective, nurturing way, they feel loved. And they feel guided. And they feel safe.
When we forgive
When we forgive, there is a shift in the atmosphere. There is potential for new relationship and great relief. Hope springs out of forgiveness.
And remember to forgive yourself too. That’s just as important.
Blessings,
Sarah