Heather Ross
Heather Ross
EP113 The Hidden Judgment in Pity—And How Switching To Compassion Builds Connection
EP113 The Hidden Judgment in Pity—And How Switching To Compassion Builds Connection
EP113 The Hidden Judgment in Pity—And How Switching To Compassion Builds Connection
Wednesday 19th March 2025
Learn the crucial difference between pity and compassion in supporting your child's addiction recovery, and how compassion fosters dignity and connection.
28 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Healing
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Heather Ross
Overview:
Categories:
Family Recovery from Addiction
Sobriety Toolkit
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
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Episodes:
117 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!The Hidden Judgment in Pity: How Compassion Builds Connection
Episode Overview
- Recognise the difference between pity and compassion.
- Understand how pity can strip your child of their agency.
- Use compassionate language to respect their dignity.
- Set boundaries that foster connection rather than conflict.
- Be self-aware and listen without judgment.
Compassion sees someone as a whole person who just happens to be experiencing the pain and hardship of life
In this episode of 'Living With Your Child's Addiction', Heather Ross dives into the powerful distinction between pity and compassion, and how this difference can significantly impact your relationship with your child. Heather shares her own experiences, illustrating how pity can strip your child of their agency and reinforce feelings of hopelessness. On the other hand, compassion respects their dignity and supports them in a way that fosters connection and understanding.
Heather explains that pity often comes from a place of judgment, where parents might unconsciously see their child's struggles as solely a result of poor choices. Compassion, however, recognises the complex factors at play, such as genetics, environment, and trauma, and views the child as capable of resilience and recovery. Heather offers practical advice on shifting from pity to compassion, including being self-aware of your initial reactions, listening without judgment, and using compassionate language.
She also highlights the importance of setting boundaries that create connection rather than conflict. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to support your child in a way that strengthens your relationship and promotes healing. Don't miss this insightful discussion that can help transform your approach to your child's addiction and improve your family's well-being.