Realising your parents are only human

[florida-again]

I don't know about you guys but the realisation that my parents are only human and....SOMETIMES WRONG!!!!.....was a frightening thing.

Doesn't it just change your whole outlook on things?

No real point to this thread really, I'd just be interested to hear the thoughts/experiences of others on this subject

 

[Wishing on a star]

I agree with your thoughts!

I think that the earlier that a person realizes this the better!

I think it is part of the right-of-passage.

My husband always thought his parents (his Dad in particular) was God.
His Dad was always unbending and self-righteous and controlling.

I think that until we realize this, and begin to feel that we are EQUALS as adults and as human beings, with our parents, then we cannot grow-up and mature and individuate ourselves. Also, it is necessary to gain healthy self-esteem and self-respect. At least, that has been my observation!

 

[luvmydogs]

I understand what you mean, if in an indirect way.

My mom has been very ill for four years, and had another heart attaack this past Saturday (on her birthday of all days). My dad does all he can to take care of her, but he's 71 and has health issues of his own. I'm at that point in life where I have to take care of them, just like they did for me when I was young. Full circle, I guess.

So, although I don't think my experience is exactly what you mean in your original post, I do see where you're coming from.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I just wanted to say that I do not think we are talking about the whole 'mortality thing.

I don't think the OP was posting about dealing with aging and mortality.
I do not think that the OP was frightened by the fact that our parents, and all of us, will die.

I think it is simply coming of age, and realizing that our parents are not the always-right, protective 'Gods' that we saw them as when we were children.

 

[chrissyk]

I don't know about you guys but the realisation that my parents are only human and....SOMETIMES WRONG!!!!.....was a frightening thing.

Doesn't it just change your whole outlook on things?

No real point to this thread really, I'd just be interested to hear the thoughts/experiences of others on this subject

I had this revelation when I went off to college. I'm not exactly sure why it took me THAT long to realize that my parents weren't always right.

 

[Crankyshank]

I had the opposite problem. It was more of an eye opener to realize they occasionally know what they're talking about