Self Esteem Question

I think that is a completely normal feeling. I don't think bad parents wonder about whether or not they are bad parents, because bad parents don't care that much. So if you are wondering, I bet you are a good parent! Obviously if that behaviour bothers you it means you are trying to raise your kids to act differently, which means you are putting an effort in = good parent!

I think that children have their own issues and if they are not grown up then you should take the decisions for them. It is okay that you care about them and I appreciate you for taking the minute details about your children behavior. Don't feel bad because we as children also had some discussions like this. If I remember my childhood then I think I had some negative as well as positive thoughts about my parents but yes I discussed them rarely. If your children discuss them openly then you should take control if the things because it can become worse. You have to believe in yourself and do the best you can do for them but also make sure that they always respect you for what you do.

If your kids are old enough to understand your values (more than about seven) and they choose to act in opposition to them, after you have made it very clear what is right, then "No" you should not feel like a bad parent. "Yes" you should remind them further of appropriate behavior. At some point in life kids need to take ownership of what they do and say. Then they can decide to improve it or not.

It doesnt make you bad parents. It is not only at home that children have education, they also have it at school. All children tend to mimic what others do depending on how "cool" or popular it can make you or even just because they think it is the way they want to be. Lots of parents educate their kids one way and they turn out completly diferent.

I do not believe it makes you a bad parent as it is well known that children even from the best home life environments don't always turn out so great. Discussing it as parents is certainly a good start, as part of the discussion should include as to how can we change this and how can we make it better. Good luck to you both as raising children has to be about the hardest task in life.

In my case, my self esteem came from my family being intact, despite it being shaken by something that could have wrecked our marriage before. Added to that, my daughter having been a scholar since high school until now that she will be graduating in college and hopefully this year when she enters Medicine, makes me proud of myself more. But your kids acting contrary from what you want them to act does not make you bad parents. They are kids , which require a lot of guidance and attention in order that they be molded according to what you would want them to be. So, just keep on being there for them !