guilt-ridden parenting

Guilt-ridden parenting occurs when parents frequently feel (or are made to feel) that they are failing their children or not doing enough, leading to persistent feelings of guilt. This mindset can result from societal pressures, high personal standards, or external criticism. Parents may become overly anxious, overly controlling, or overly apologetic, which can affect their confidence and decision-making. While some guilt can motivate positive change, excessive guilt can cause stress, reduce enjoyment of parenting, and impact a child's emotional well-being if it leads to inconsistent or overly anxious caregiving.