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Regret is a catalyst for growth, not an indication of failure.

Regret opens the door to humility, empathy, and relational repair.

Regret is the pathway to greater compassion—both for ourselves and for the children whom we love.

In my previous post, I was discussing the moments when men awaken to the kind of father they have been, an awakening that often takes place when their children are leaving home.

One of the primary emotions that often accompanies that kind of awakening is regret.

While many of us are taught that regret is a negative experience, the reality is that regret is one of the psychological engines that helps us to grow, to change, and to heal.

Sometimes I’ll hear a father (over) confidently inform me that, “I have no regrets when it comes to the kind of dad I’ve been.” To me, that is a very worrisome belief,........

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