The book of Genesis includes many stories about family life. This week Rabbi Woznica offers teachings about parents and children.
Not Too Much Credit—Not Too Much Blame
This week I have shared Jewish teachings on how to guide children and shape their ideals in the hope they will become ethical and responsible adults. I want to conclude by acknowledging parents can do many things “right” only to find disappointment.
Some very fine parents have faced difficult issues with their adult children. Conversely, there are parents whom we would not want to emulate, whose children, ironically, grow to become good and responsible adults.
Parents don’t control all factors, including peers’ influence and the internal nature unique to every human being. And, of course, luck.
Most parents deserve “not too much credit and not too much blame.” For those parents living with unnecessary guilt, I hope this will be helpful and even liberating.
— Rabbi David Woznica