Is Your Conscience Helping or Hurting Your Parenting?

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

27 May 2008 09:54 PM

I have to admit that sometimes in the world of parenting my conscience can be a bit help-it spurs me on to do the right thing and helps guide me in making decent decisions on behalf of my children. Other times, however, my conscience can eat me alive! Oh, that guilt that tends to come from someplace outside myself and settles in to make me feel horrible! There are definitely times when my conscience is more of a bother than a help...

For example, I have become rather sensitive to the Green Police and every time I consider throwing away so much as an empty toilet paper roll, I feel guilty. I am also starting to feel guilty whenever I feed my children something that is not organic. Just a couple years ago, I felt great about my skills as a frugal and healthy parental cook, now, if I cannot afford the extra dollar a piece for organic apples I feel like the worst parent on the planet!

The thing about having an over-active conscience in the realm of parenting is that our children can catch on and use our conscience to manipulate us: "Well, I suppose if you really want me to be the only child at the prom that doesn't arrive in a stretch limo? I imagine you think it is best for me to be ostracized from my peer group and have to work it all out in therapy later." Ah, is it my conscience, guilt, or insecurities as a parent that is getting triggered?

I know I need my conscience and I am usually grateful that it guides me to make the best decisions and choices for my family. I do wonder every once in a while, however, if my over-active conscience is not conspiring with the mass media, Oprah and Martha Stewart to make sure that I tow the politically correct line!

See Also: Can You Help Your Child get a Conscience?

When Something Just Doesn't Feel Right

Learn more about Kori Rodley Irons

Bio has been removed by administrator

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger