Unconditional love - A POLL

[pomtzu]

Do you believe in unconditional love - that of a parent for a child?

In light of the Casey Anthony trial, this had me wondering how many parents would love their children, no matter what they did. The fact that Cindy Anthony mouthed the words "I love You" to her daughter Casey, and Casey turned away in response, made me wonder. How can she love this daughter of hers, who is more than likely the killer of her granddaughter? I heard one reporter say "but parents always love their children no matter what they do". That's b.s., and I speak from experience.

I haven't seen or spoken to my first-born son in over 16 years. I won't go into details, but he single-handedly tried to destroy this family to save his own backside - sort of like Casey, but at least he didn't kill anyone! I don't know when or why he changed - he was always "the perfect son" - the typical boy next door. He was Jekyll and Hyde in reality, and hid it very well when he was growing up.

Thank goodness for my 2nd son - he is a gem and I don't know what I would do without him. He acts like an old mother hen toward me and treats me like some China Doll that might break. Sometimes he is way too overprotective!

If you care to vote, I'd be interested in the responses. Thanks!

[Grace]

I would like to have said yes, but I know it wouldn't be accurate.

[moosmom]

That's a tough question.

I have always admitted that I am not mother material. People can't help how they feel. Once that precious girl was born, I was madly in love with her. I'm not saying I don't love my daughter, unconditionally because I do, with all my heart and soul. I didn't know I had it in me.

I don't know what else to say other than, yes it IS possible to love a child unconditionally.

[sparks19]

I had to answer no. NO not every parent loves their child unconditionally. The way I see it right now is I can't imagine not loving Hannah no matter what she does.

But I also understand that sometimes there comes a point in a parents life where the child may be so destructive to the family and to the parent that they have to cut ties. My step father has a son that he's basically disowned and tried to forget he ever exsisted and he has very good reason to. I don't know that he doesn't love him somewhere deep down anymore but it came to a point where he had to protect himself.

[wolfsoul]

I love MY child unconditionally (so far lol), but I don't believe every parent does. Otherwise we wouldn't see so many parents murdering their children or dumping them on family members etc.

[mrspunkysmom]

I replied that I don't have children, but I do have and opinion. I was obviously someone's child and do have that experience. I am also a classroom teacher.

I think that Parents do or can love their children unconditionally but that conditions or expectations are set for their behavior and acceptance.

My mother told us that should any of us do something stupid (illegal), she wouldn't protect us or hide us, but because she loved us, she would visit us in jail. That set expectations.

[kuhio98]

I have no children but I believe I would love my child unconditionally.

I would hate some of the things they did, but I would still love them.
I might be unable to forgive them for some of the things they did, but I would still love them.
They could be toxic to be around and I would have to make the decision to no longer have contact, but I would still love them.

I guess to me, acceptance, forgiveness and love are separate things.
I might not be able to accept or forgive some awful behavior, but I would like to think that I would still love them -- even if it had to be from a distance, a far...far...far distance.

[Taz_Zoee]

I have no children but I believe I would love my child unconditionally.

I would hate some of the things they did, but I would still love them.
I might be unable to forgive them for some of the things they did, but I would still love them.
They could be toxic to be around and I would have to make the decision to no longer have contact, but I would still love them.

I guess to me, acceptance, forgiveness and love are separate things.
I might not be able to accept or forgive some awful behavior, but I would like to think that I would still love them -- even if it had to be from a distance, a far...far...far distance.

I have to agree with Lisa's last paragraph here. I also do not have children, but I believe a parent can still love their child and not like their actions or beliefs. Just like I am with my father. I love him because he is my dad, but I don't like the way he acts, thinks or his beliefs (that he is always right).

[cassiesmom]

I voted for the 4th option. I know I am unconditionally loved. But I know of two situations where that is not the case. Two generations of the same family. It is very hard to watch.

[Bonny]

I had to vote a yes. They start out loving their children unconditionally then sometimes things happen & they don't work out the way they are planned. You end up with a challenging child, and what are you to do? A person can only do so much & when it doesn't work you have to make some decisions for the safety & well being of yourself & family.

[Marigold2]

And these things can happen in the best and the worst families. The rich and poor, black, white, yellow, and green.
It is always tragic....................
Being a parent is something one needs to give years of thought to before one takes that step.

[pomtzu]

And these things can happen in the best and the worst families. The rich and poor, black, white, yellow, and green.
It is always tragic....................
Being a parent is something one needs to give years of thought to before one takes that step.

Giving it years of thought in no way prepares anyone for the unexpected. You may be the best parent ever, but if a child (especially an adult child) decides to be a destructive and toxic force within the family, no amount of "years of thought" that you may have given the situation before you decided to bring that child into the world, will amount to a hill of beans.