Parents of a prodigal wrestle with questions of how their own failures contributed to their child’s choice of a wayward path. It is natural to reflect on your parenting and identify things left undone, things you wish you did not do, or things you could have done better. Those who have a prodigal are especially prone to blame themselves, which inevitably harms other relationships in life. As a parent of a prodigal, how does one deal with these struggles?
Acknowledge Your Imperfections
No parent has always been exemplary in their actions towards their children. There were days when our words to them were wrong, perhaps even destructive. We missed teachable moments because we were preoccupied with lesser things. Does this surprise us? Aren’t we all imperfect? Face the reality—you, like the rest of us, were an imperfect parent. Do not beat yourself up over your imperfection.
Confess Sinful Failures
Maybe you examined your parenting and realized not only your imperfections but persistent patterns of sin. It could be you used physical force inappropriately or were prone to yell rather than speak. Perhaps you neglected your parental responsibility because you gave yourself over to other pursuits.
If this is the case,
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