Compensatory guilt

Divorced parents of an only child need to distinguish between responsible guilt and compensatory guilt, or else the latter may cause them to forsake making healthy demands for responsibility and setting healthy limits over freedom. 

Compensatory guilt is of the lasting kind. It exacts ongoing tribute from divorced parents who feel they must continue to punish themselves and continue to make special reparation to the child for the damage they have done. Unhappily,... 

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