The Dr. Laura Podcast Should Children Feel Guilt For What They Did As Children?
Dec 28, 2025
The discussion centers on whether children should feel guilt for their actions. A listener's regret over witnessing bullying sparks an exploration of accountability versus absolution. Dr. Laura shares a valuable lesson from her mother about defending the vulnerable. She emphasizes teaching children to protect others and highlights the importance of standing up against bullies. The episode offers practical advice on self-defense while encouraging proactive behavior in social situations.
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Lifelong Guilt From Childhood Inaction
- A listener recounts feeling guilty for not standing up to bullies in seventh grade and later learning the bullied boy became homeless.
- Dr. Laura uses this story to illustrate lifelong remorse from childhood inaction.
Absolution Versus Lifetime Accountability
- Dr. Laura contrasts religious absolution with secular accountability, noting she holds people responsible forever.
- This contrast explains persistent guilt when one believes they failed morally as a child.
Stand Between Bullies And Victims
- Do stand between bullies and the innocent instead of passively recording or laughing.
- Do physically intervene to protect others when necessary, as Dr. Laura advocates learned from her mother.