Have you even given much thought as to your blindspots?

The question is not whether you have blindspots but how you choose to find and fix them.

The K.I.S.S. ~ S.P.O.T. the blindspots!

Here are three no-nonsense moves every parent can pull to spot those blindspots and actually step up.

 

1. S — SEEK Real Feedback without Defense

Stop guessing what you’re doing right or wrong. Go straight to trusted people who see you in action—your partner, friends, or even a coach. And here’s the key: listen without defending. Feedback is your map out of blindspots, but only if you let it in.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: You’re not the best judge of your parenting in isolation. Blindspots often thrive because we reject or dodge honest feedback. The fix? Seek out people who see your parenting from the outside, and listen hard. This could be your partner, close friends with kids, or even a parenting group or coach who won’t sugarcoat.

But—and this is critical—don’t just seek feedback to nod along. When you hear criticism, swallow the urge to defend or explain. Ask yourself: Is there truth here? Even if it stings, blindspots hate the light, and honest input is the flashlight. That humility opens the door to change.

2. P — PAUSE and Reflect on Patterns and Triggers

Notice your triggers and automatic reactions. When tensions rise, hit pause. Track your feelings, your responses, and the repeated frictions that keep showing up. Reflection shines a light on what’s hidden and gives you space to change.

Blindspots often wear two disguises: emotional triggers and repeated patterns that keep causing friction. When your kid acts out or a routine goes south, what’s your automatic reaction? Anger? Over-correcting? Pull back, and track your own feelings and responses over a week or two. Write them down if you need to.

Then, ask yourself tough questions:

• What about this sets me off every time?
• How might my reaction actually escalate the problem?
• Are these reactions helping my child learn or just making things tense?

Facing these uncomfortable patterns head-on and understanding their roots isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. Awareness is the start of breaking the cycle.

3. O — OWN Your Impact Through Your Child’s Eyes

Shift from “I’m doing this for them” to “What’s this like from their view?” Imagine your child’s experience of your words and actions. This perspective check reveals blindspots faster than any theory ever will.

Want a shortcut to finding blindspots? See your actions through your kid’s eyes. Kids are masters of showing us what we miss — through their behavior, mood, and even the silent withdrawal. But often, we’re too busy or caught up in our intent to notice.

The next time you feel stuck or disconnected, stop and ask:

• How does my child experience this?
• What might they be needing that I’m overlooking?
• If I were in their shoes and older, what advice would I give myself?

This shift from “I’m doing this for them” to “How is this for them?” flips the script. It forces you to connect the dots between your intentions and the actual impact.

4. T — TAKE Action with Humility

Blindspots won’t clear themselves. Use what you learn to make small but consistent changes. Admit when you’re wrong, ask for help when needed, and keep pushing forward. Giving and asking for forgiveness goes a long way. Growth demands humility and persistence—not perfection.

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HIGHLIGHT: Parenting blindspots won’t disappear if you pretend they don’t exist. Worse, they grow when you defend instead of discover. Getting better isn’t about being perfect—it’s about carrying a ruthless curiosity about yourself as a parent, ready to pivot when needed.

Make seeking real feedback, owning your triggers, and tuning into your child’s world non-negotiable. That’s how good parents become great ones.

A Parent’s Blindspot by Kristianne Wargo

You hold their world—so small, so bright,
A steady hand through day and night.
But shadows stretch as sharp truths hide,
Blindspots whisper just inside.

You mean the best, you set the course,
Yet unseen rains alter the source.
Feedback calls—a voice outside,
Listen close, swallow pride.

Triggers flare in quiet ways,
Patterns weave through endless days.
Pause the storm, name the fight,
Break the cycle, choose the light.

Step into the child’s shoes,
Feel the highs, the pain, the blues.
Not just what you mean to do,
But how it lands in colors true.

No perfect path, no flawless flight,
Just eyes wide open to the night.
Seek the blindspots, lean, and grow—
That’s how roots run deep and flow.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“