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Why I’m Okay With My Son Calling Me Out

No, he does not get into trouble for calling me on my hypocrisy

Jillian Enright's avatar
Jillian Enright
Sep 12, 2023
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We’re all hypocrites

We’re all hypocrites. Especially parents. Oh man, are we ever hypocrites!

We don’t intend to be, but we’re human and it happens. A lot.

My son is twice exceptional (gifted with ADHD and anxiety). He is incredibly sharp and observant, so he notices every single time I slip up. Every. Single. Time. Which is a lot. I make a lot of mistakes.

I admit I sometimes get annoyed with my child, 29 years my junior, calling me to task. None of us enjoy having our mistakes pointed out, but that’s really not our children’s problem, is it? When adults rebuke children for this, it’s really more of an issue with the adult’s pride.

Allowing respectful debate helps children develop important life skills, so I will explain why I try to be humble and to remain open to hearing my son’s observations.

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Self-Advocacy Skills

I want my son to be able to speak up when he feels something isn’t right.

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