by Kevin Lamb

Created on: January 22, 2009

Love is the most powerful emotion that we have. In order to forgive someone love and trust are key ingredients needed for the act of forgiveness to happen. The unconditional love between a parent and a child is an emotion which is un-equaled in any other relationship.

Forgiveness and trust are two separate emotions; but yet they're intertwined by love when it comes to parents and their children. The bond between a parent and their child should be based on respect and also trust. This family bond creates love; which then provides the act of forgiveness.

Forgiveness is an act which is learned by witnessing first hand. To ask for forgiveness of someone is a humbling emotion. Our children need to be taught to be humble and also that no one is perfect. But, before we can learn to forgive others, we first have to practice the act of forgiveness on ourselves.

Low self-esteem is a perfect example of someone who has harshly judged themselves by their failures, and has not been forgiven. This lowered image of "self" is very detrimental in just how we perceive others. If our children already think little of themselves, their outlook on others is also tainted by their own reflection of themselves; they're now seeing life through a somewhat cloudy mirror.

Love and forgiveness needs to be shown to the child even when they've failed you or let you down. Sometimes, when the children get older the trust which you gave them can sometimes be abused. Children need to learn that trust is an act that is earned by respect; not given away freely. Although, sometimes we can't trust our children we can still forgive them; this is because trust will falter but our love for them never fails.

Apologize to your children if you failed them or let them down; let them know that you're just as human as they are. This opens up their young minds to the act of forgiveness and also respect. Let them be aware that everyone has weaknesses and forgiveness is not a weakness. Always be honest to your children as this will build a sense of trust in them. Our trust is needed by our children which gives them a sense of emotional security.

Parents must show their confidence in their child's abilities and support them in their endeavors; this also helps them to gain a feeling of trust from your support. Trust is an emotion which instills confidence in your child, and this emotional support you show them will inspire your child in their future choices. Without trust confidence begins to fail, and the emotional

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