My teenage son called me a hypocrite and he was right

2w ago1 min read

So my 16 year old called me out last week for being judgmental about his friends when I'm not exactly living perfectly myself. He said I talk about Christian values but he sees me getting angry at other drivers, being cheap with people, not actually helping when I say I will. It stung because he was right. I've been going through the motions of faith but not actually living it in front of my kids. Since then I've been trying to just be more honest with them about my own struggles instead of pretending I have it all figured out. Told him I'm working on it and asked him to call me out when he sees me slipping up. We've actually had some good conversations since then. I think my kids needed to see that faith isn't about being perfect, it's about trying and failing and getting back up.

6 comments165 views

Comments(6)

RRyan M.Regular2w ago

That's a tough moment but also kind of a gift when you think about it. He was brave enough to call you out and you're self aware enough to recognize he had a point. That's the kind of real parenting that matters.

RRick M.Regular2w ago

These moments are hard but they're gold. You have a chance to show him that parents can mess up and change, which is way more valuable than pretending to be perfect.

SScottRegular2w ago

That's rough but also really mature of you to hear him out instead of getting defensive. The fact that he felt safe enough to call you out says something good about your relationship. How did the conversation go after that?

JJustinRegular2w ago

The hypocrisy thing with teenagers is rough because they see right through it. But it also means you have a chance to show him what accountability and growth look like instead of just pretending to be perfect.

JJosh M.Regular2w ago

How did you respond when he said that? I feel like those moments are where we either learn something about ourselves or we dig in and defend. Sounds like you're in the learning camp which is good.

JJason T.Regular2w ago

At 16 he's starting to see through the BS and he's right to call it out. The fact that you're owning it instead of doubling down though? That's parenting done right. Kids respect honesty more than perfection.