Parental ReDos and Why They Are So Important

In the journey of parenting, it's natural to face moments where our reactions might not align with our values or intentions. As parents, it's essential to recognize these instances not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and connection—what Dr. Becky Kennedy refers to as “Parental ReDos.”

Dr. Becky Kennedy, in her insightful book "Good Inside," emphasizes that how we handle our missteps can profoundly impact our relationship with our children. She writes, “Your value as a parent isn’t dependent on getting every moment right, but rather on how you repair when things go wrong.”

Understanding Parental ReDos

A "ReDo" is an invaluable tool in parenting that allows you to revisit a tough situation and try again, modeling vulnerability and responsibility. It's about acknowledging an action or reaction that wasn’t helpful, apologizing, and expressing your desire to handle it differently if given another chance.

Why ReDos are Important

1. Building Trust and Connection

ReDos provide an opportunity to reconnect, reminding children that everyone makes mistakes and that relationships can be restored through effort and care. By admitting your own imperfections, you teach your children to trust in the safety of your relationship.

2. Teaching Accountability

By modeling self-reflection and accountability, you show your children how to accept responsibility for their behavior. It helps normalize that everyone makes errors, and what's important is our willingness to make amends.

3. Encouraging Emotional Intelligence

During a ReDo, you have the chance to demonstrate emotional regulation and healthier ways to express feelings. It gives your children tools to better understand their own emotions and reactions.

4. Promoting Growth

A ReDo encourages both parents and children to cultivate resilience, reinforcing that learning and improving is a lifelong process. Children observe that adapting and trying again is an integral part of personal growth.

How to Implement a ReDo

- Acknowledge and Apologize: Start by acknowledging what didn't go well and sincerely apologizing to your child. This first step models humility and empathy.

- Explain the ReDo: Inform your child that you’d like a “ReDo.” Tell them how you wish you'd handled the situation and invite them to practice this new approach together.

- Encourage Collaboration: Involve your child in the process if they're open to it. Discuss what happened, listen to their feelings and thoughts, and brainstorm alternatives together.

- Stay Committed: It’s important to stay consistent with this approach to rebuild trust and reinforce learning over time.

By practicing using Parental ReDos, you reinforce that being a parent doesn’t require perfection, but rather a dedication to continuous learning and enhancing connections with your children. In the words of Dr. Becky Kennedy, your value lies not in preventing mistakes, but in how you choose to amend them. Parenting is a challenging yet rewarding journey, and each "ReDo" enriches the love and understanding shared within your family.

Embracing the concept of Parental ReDos empowers you to nurture a nurturing and resilient family dynamic. By practicing accountability and emotional growth, you lay the foundation for deeper bonds and lasting trust with your children. Remember, parenting is about the journey, not perfection, and every effort counts toward building a healthier, more compassionate home.

If you’re seeking guidance on how to bring these principles into your own family life, Ashley Rosson's therapy style complements and reinforces the teachings of renowned psychologists like Dr. Becky Kennedy. Ashley offers empathetic support and practical strategies tailored to your unique parenting challenges. Take the first step towards a more connected and fulfilling family experience—call or text Ashley Rosson today to schedule an appointment at 256-434-1664.