My children blame me

True story

I feel discouraged as a mother knowing that I am the primary reason why my children are behaving in a rebellious manner. I dedicated my time to work so that I could fend for them as their father spent most of his money drinking with friends.

My sons disappointed me. It was not their first time but this time they went too far. There were some major consequences which I struggled to accept. I kept asking myself if I was the one to blame for their irresponsible behavior.

Prisoner behind bars

As a parent it feels great when your children obey and do everything according to the way you teach them. When they disobey, it troubles you because you ask where you went wrong.

I struggled to give my sons a decent education that my parents could not afford as I wanted them to have a brighter future. I watched them grow and make choices as adults. I did not choose for them but they did so at their own will.

 It brings joy to see your children getting excellent results at school and getting employed. I was always praying for them to get better jobs so that they could afford to give their children a better future.

I got the shock of my life as a police van pulled outside my gate. Two detectives came in to inform me that my sons had been arrested for burglary and murder. It was really hard to understand what they told me and at that moment I felt helpless.

They accompanied me to the police station and it all made sense now as I could see them in the holding cells. The worst part was hearing them confess that they committed the crimes. I was deeply hurt as a mother and I asked where I went wrong.

I did not know what would happen to them but I just sat and prayed. I was asking God to forgive them and that if they went to jail; they learn from their mistake and come out as better beings.

I still ask myself where I failed them as a parent. I sacrificed the entire part of my life preparing a future for them. I admit I was always busy and did not spend much time with them, but is this the way they repay me after working tirelessly for them?Would this determine myself worth? Was I a failure just because they had made some wrong choices?

What advice would you give this parent? Help this disappointed wife and mother by giving your views and suggestions to her situation.