If you are feeling this, you likely feel like a monster. You look at other parents on social media who seem to bask in the glow of every milestone and you wonder what is broken inside of you. But the truth is more nuanced: feeling "hate" or intense resentment toward your son doesn’t mean you aren't a good parent. It often means you are an overwhelmed one.
The first step toward healing is radical honesty. You cannot fix a relationship if you are still pretending the fracture doesn't exist. i-hate-my-son
Constant battles over bedtime, chores, or school can wear down even the most patient caregiver. If you are feeling this, you likely feel like a monster
You are not alone in this struggle. Admitting you're struggling to "like" your son is the first step toward finding a path back to a relationship where love—and eventually, like—can flourish again. It often means you are an overwhelmed one
Sometimes we hate our kids because our expectations are too high. Embracing "good enough" parenting can relieve the pressure that fuels resentment.
There is no shame in reaching out to a therapist. Many parents find that individual therapy helps them process their resentment, while family therapy can provide new strategies for managing a son's behavior.