Don’t Feel Embarrassed When Your Child Veers Off the Path

When our kids start making their own decisions, their journeys are out of our control. It’s natural to watch from the sidelines and think:

What is going wrong?
Why isn’t my son making better choices?
Why isn’t my daughter taking the “normal” path like her peers? 

When you are at your wits’ end and can’t find the answers to help your child, you might feel hopeless and frustrated. 

You hide what’s happening from your friends because you think their lives are perfect.
You don’t confide in your family because you fear they will judge you. 

When your child’s life is not going the way you imagined, you may feel ashamed. You might think it reflects poorly on you or your parenting.  

But these are just thoughts that you generate in your head.
Stories you tell yourself about what might be.
Future-oriented scenarios that don’t serve you or your child. 

Life is full of challenges.
Unfortunately, as a parent, it’s difficult to watch your child experience them. 

Some kids will take the straight path that is expected in our culture.
Others will take a winding road. 
The truth is, it is impossible to predict the outcome of either. 

Think about your past.
Was it a winding road with bumps along the way?
Did you face obstacles you overcame? 

Their journey might not look like the vision you had of their life path.
But you can support them and their current journey.
You can have faith that things will work out. 

This road may be leading them to just the right place.
Know that nothing has gone wrong. 
Know you are not alone.

P.S. If you would like a partner to help make life easier, schedule a complimentary consultation by clicking here.

P.P.S. I had a client this week tell me her husband used one of the tools we worked on. He was amazed when his 21-year old engaged in the conversation instead of shutting him down. You too can have the relationship you want with your child. I am here to help you.