Healthy Guilt
Category: Parenting -
General
...Guilt is a special kind of anxiety that serves as
a reminder that a family or social value has been
violated. Parents evoke guilt feelings in their
children when they make it clear that a particular
behavior is inappropriate and must be changed in
order to return to the good graces of the family.
Some people think all guilt is unhealthy, but I
disagree. I believe healthy guilt is a warning that
some essential life principle, like love or respect,
is at risk. Healthy guilt is a sign of maturity and
moral responsibility. Children who experience healthy
guilt may feel bad about their behavior, but they
don't feel bad about themselves. Their guilt
motivates them to try harder to behave more lovingly
and respectfully...
