Mistakes Parents Make

Divorce is tough for you as a parent. You are feeling weak and emotionally drained, yet you need to be strong for your children. The purpose of discussing common mistakes parents make is to help you avoid making these mistakes and to alert you to things you might not have realized were potential problems.

"I'm rebuilding my relationship with my son," says Harriet. "He had to take on a role that was much older than what his twelve years should have had to handle. For almost a year he looked after me. Now I'm trying to get the roles back the way they're supposed to be. I've tried not to put him in difficult places in this whole ugly business. Most of the time I've succeeded. A lot of the time I've failed.

"I remember one time when I was being critical about the other woman, and I told my son, 'Honey, I don't want you to hate her because I don't want hate to be part of your life.' He looked at me with all the directness of a twelve year old, and he said, 'Oh Mom, yes you do.' The reality of that was so strong it forced me to look deeply at who I was showing up as to my son."

You will make mistakes and it's okay. Walk forward, and seek to try again where you have failed before. Keep trying and keep walking with God.

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber" (Psalm 121:1-3).