Parents don’t own their sh*t

Parents don’t own their sh*t because they don’t want to feel the pain of holding themselves accountable.

They have no desire to feel guilt, so being able to say ‘ I did my best’ so they can cop out of it is way easier than acknowledging it.

Parents are protecting themselves at the expense of YOU and to protect their ego.

So shake it off and go have a kick-ass day.

Want more real talk like this? Tune into The Badass Counseling Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

4/29 Edited to

... Read moreFrom my experience, many people don’t realize how deeply rooted the fear of accountability runs in some parents. It’s not just a simple refusal to accept responsibility; it’s often tied to emotional self-preservation. When parents say ‘I did my best,’ it’s less about the effort itself and more about shielding themselves from painful guilt or criticism. This protective stance can unintentionally harm their children by blocking honest communication and growth. Recognizing this pattern was a breakthrough for me in family dynamics. Instead of expecting parents to change overnight, I found it more empowering to focus on my own resilience. Developing clear boundaries and seeking support outside the family—whether through friends, counselors, or support groups—helped me reclaim my sense of self. The key is to understand that their avoidance is more about their struggle than your worth. Also, naming the issue openly, like acknowledging “Parents don’t own their sh*t,” creates space for honest conversations. It’s about moving from blame to empowerment, realizing you can’t control their willingness to own mistakes, but you can control how you respond. This mindset shift encourages healthier relationships and personal growth, showing us how to shake off the emotional baggage and choose a kick-ass day regardless.

4 comments

Jill's images
Jill

I've asked my kids how I hurt them so I can apologize.

emilywalker34063's images
emilywalker34063

On my healing journey, I had, eventually, asked myself how important it was for my parents to take some responsibility for my experiences in childhood, that ultimately led to my feelings in adulthood. They included not trusting my feelings, unworthiness, shame, guilt, etc. I love them, I want them to understand, but they are who they are. Superficial relationships are all they know how to have. I’m more at peace just accepting that at this point. Definitely not a solution for everyone. I still want to feel close and understood by them. I’m almost 40. But that’s not who they are.

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