Section II
The Power of Vulnerability in Parenting
When we think of parenting, we often imagine unshakable figures, full of certainty and answers. We believe that a good father or mother is someone who always knows what to do, never makes mistakes, and firmly guides every step of their child’s journey.
But the reality is different: being a parent does not mean having all the answers. It means being present, open, and willing to learn.
And this is where vulnerability comes in.
A Story About Vulnerability and Love
Sofía had a 7-year-old daughter named Emma. One night, after an exhausting day, Sofía lost her patience when Emma spilled a glass of water all over her freshly completed homework.
"You always make a mess!" she said in frustration.
Emma didn’t respond. She simply looked down and remained silent.
Sofía saw something in her daughter’s eyes that made her pause—it wasn’t defiance or anger, but sadness. She realized that her reaction had hurt her daughter more than the spilled water could have ever damaged the paper.
Taking a deep breath, Sofía knelt and hugged her.
"I’m sorry, Emma. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. It was just water, and you are more important than any homework."
Emma looked up and, with a small smile, said:
"It’s okay, Mom."
That simple moment changed the way Sofía saw parenting. She realized she didn’t need to be the perfect mother—she just needed to be present, capable of recognizing her mistakes and making things right.
Vulnerability Is Not Weakness—It’s Connection
We live in a world that teaches us to hide our emotions, to be strong at all costs, to never show doubt. But vulnerability is not a weakness. In fact, it’s the opposite:
It’s the bridge that connects us to others. It’s the space where trust and authenticity grow.
A child doesn’t need a perfect parent. They need a real one.
One who can say:
"I don’t have all the answers, but we’ll figure it out together."
"I made a mistake, and I’m sorry."
When a parent allows themselves to be vulnerable, they show their child that love isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being present, even in uncertainty.
The Impact of Vulnerability on Children
Children learn from what we do, not just from what we say. If they grow up in a home where their parents are open and human, they will learn to be the same.
When a parent admits a mistake and apologizes, they teach their child that they don’t need to be perfect to be loved. They show them that making mistakes is part of life, that love doesn’t disappear because of an error, and that there is always room to make things right.
When a parent expresses their emotions honestly, they teach their child that feelings aren’t something to be ashamed of. That sadness, fear, and frustration are a natural part of life, and that instead of hiding them, we should seek to understand them.
When a parent allows themselves to receive love and support in difficult moments, they show their child that they don’t have to face everything alone. That asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of courage.
True Love Does Not Demand Perfection
Sometimes, the pressure to be a "good parent" makes us forget that love is not about perfection—it’s about presence.
That it’s not about never making mistakes but knowing how to ask for forgiveness.
That it’s not about having all the answers but being willing to learn together.
Being vulnerable with our children is an act of deep love. It tells them, without words, that we see them, we understand them, and we are here for them—fully, with our strengths and flaws alike.
Because at the end of the day, what our children will remember the most is not whether we were perfect, but whether we were truly present.
"Showing our vulnerability does not make us weak—it makes us approachable. A child who sees their parents accept their mistakes and emotions learns to do the same."
Self-reflection questions:
How do I handle my emotions in front of my children?
Do I allow them to see me make mistakes and correct them with love?
Do I express my feelings in a healthy way, or do I tend to hide them to appear strong?