Making Mistakes

Venice - Mommage Mom · Newbie Mom Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

How do you stop your grown children from making the same mistakes you did? When you know from experience that your child is headed for trouble or determined to do something you know they'll regret, how do you get through to them? Is the only choice to sit back and watch the drama unfold? Why do grown children refuse to believe that parents might actually know what they're talking about when they give advice or try to steer their children in the right direction? It's so frustrating.

**Nichole** · Site Admin Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 13 Location: Ohio

And I can honestly say that I STILL don't follow my mom's advice most of the time.

As parents we always want what is best for our children. We don't want them to go down the road we did. However, in the end they need to learn from their own mistakes. Some mistakes may or may not be obvious to them. Drugs, alcoholism, abusive relationships... they may have seen their parent in those situations and not follow but usually they don't see the outcome of your mistakes so feel that your situation was different and their's will turn out better than you say it will.

Of course, I've learned that my mom is usually right but I needed to figure it out on my own.

As hard as it is, I think that the best way is to let them learn on their own. If things happen as you said they will, they will come to you for assistance. If things happen as they thought they will, you'll be there for their triumph.

Good luck. Smile

Venice - Mommage Mom · Newbie Mom Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

and I know you're right, but it drives me crazy! I never listened to my mother and had to learn everything the hard way. It wasn't until I got married and had my own children that I realized she was always right.

I'm trying to think of something that could have been said to me back then to make me realize that my mother knew what she was talking about, but I can't come up with anything that would have changed my mind or made a difference.

Maybe I just answered my own question Sad

**Nichole** · Site Admin Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 13 Location: Ohio

It'll work out Venice. Don't fret too much.

**Deb - Mommage Mom** · Site Admin Joined: 05 Jun 2007 Posts: 9

Mostly cuz if I don't she might kick my butt.... LOL Laughing

She has really good instincts about some things; other things - not so good. So I get her opinion and consider it ~ then make the best decision I can.

Venice - Mommage Mom · Newbie Mom Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 10

I like to think my daughter does that too and just doesn't want me to know! Wink