How to Forgive Your Parents

When you were infants and looked up to your parents they seemed perfect. As you grew older, you began to see their flaws and shortcomings. Sometimes recognizing their flaws can turn into holding grudges. Here's how to give up those grudges through forgiveness and return to loving your parents.

Instructions

1. If you felt unloved by your parents at any point in time, start to look back for evidence that they loved you. Perhaps you remember a fight you had with your father but you forget the five times he took you camping.

2. Start looking at your own faults and how you have let down your parents. Realize that imperfection is a two way street. Sure, some things may have been done that hurt you, but can you honestly say that you never hurt them?

3. Stop having expectations of your parents. If you are already an adult, it is time for you to be in charge of your own life and to quit blaming others.

4. Try lying down and opening your heart to loving your parents. Don't think about problems you may have had with them. Close your eyes and slow down your thoughts. Regulate your breathing and then open up your heart to loving them.

5. Have your own children. There is nothing that will point out how difficult it is to be a good parent like having your own children. You may even see some of the shortcomings that your parents had in yourself.