Children Who Feel Guilty

Sometimes children feel guilty because they think they are at fault for family problems. This guilt can make them feel like a "bad person". They feel directly responsible for the problems in their life, even the ones that have nothing to do with them. These problems might be divorce, illness or separation from parents. This guilt can be a huge, and an unnecessary burden! Your child needs to be reassured that these things are not his or her fault. Directly tell your child, "It is not your fault". Also, encourage your children to say the same thing to themselves when they are feeling guilty.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011