Parent Guilt vs. Parent Love: What Kids Remember Most
Every parent knows the feeling of guilt. Maybe you missed a soccer game because of work, served takeout instead of cooking, or lost patience after a long day. These moments often weigh heavy on your heart, leaving you wondering if you’re doing enough. But here’s the truth: children don’t carry those moments of guilt the way you do. They carry the moments of love.
When it comes to Parent Guilt vs. Parent Love, what kids remember most is the laughter, the bedtime stories, the hugs, and the feeling of being valued. And one of the simplest ways to tip the balance toward love is through stories.
Why Parent Guilt Feels So Heavy
Parent guilt is common because you care deeply. You want to give your children everything, but life often demands more than you can give in one moment. While guilt can push you to reflect and improve, holding onto it too tightly can rob you of joy. The important thing to remember is that children don’t need perfection, they need presence.
What Kids Actually Remember
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, you don’t vividly remember every mistake your parents made. Instead, you recall the times they showed up for you: a story read before bed, a shared laugh, or even just sitting beside you during dinner. That’s the power of parent love, it outweighs guilt every single time.
How Stories Reassure Both Kids and Parents
Stories help ease guilt while building stronger connections. For children, picture books provide reassurance that love is steady, even in busy or stressful times. For parents, reading aloud becomes a way to slow down, laugh, and pour love into the moment. The story itself becomes a bridge, turning what could feel like a “guilty” day into a memory of togetherness.
A Story That Balances Busy and Loving
Erin Shular’s I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus captures this balance perfectly. At first, the wish for a mom with eight arms is playful and silly. But underneath, it reflects a child’s longing for more of their parent’s time. The book gently reminds parents that even when you feel stretched thin, your love is what your child remembers most. The giggles, the cuddles, and the shared story matter far more than guilt ever could.
Final Thoughts
Parent guilt will always come and go, but parent love is what stays in a child’s heart. Your children won’t remember the takeout dinner or the missed event. They’ll remember the love you gave, the stories you shared, and the comfort of knowing you were theirs.
Order your copy of I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus today and turn storytime into a daily reminder that love always wins over guilt. This playful yet meaningful book is more than just a bedtime read, it’s a keepsake that strengthens bonds, sparks laughter, and reassures both parents and children that what matters most is love.