Dr. Laura Call of the Day: Episode Summary - "I Didn't Do the Right Thing"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dr. Laura Call of the Day
• Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
• Platform: SiriusXM Triumph 111
• Release Date: March 19, 2025
• Episode Title: I Didn't Do the Right Thing

Introduction to the Situation

In the March 19, 2025 episode of Dr. Laura Call of the Day, Dr. Laura Schlessinger addresses a heartfelt call from a listener grappling with a complex relationship dilemma. The caller seeks guidance on whether to continue a long-term relationship that has become strained, especially considering the involvement of children from both partners.

Caller’s Scenario:

• Duration of Relationship: Six to seven years
• Living Situation: The caller and his partner lived together, and both had children under the age of 13.
• Current Issue: The relationship has deteriorated, and they are uncertain whether to continue dating or break up.
• Recent Realization: After listening to Dr. Laura's advice over the past week, the caller believes that moving on might be in the best interest of the children.

Dr. Laura’s Assessment and Guidance

Dr. Laura delves deep into the caller's predicament, emphasizing the profound impact that adult decisions have on children’s well-being. She underscores the importance of ethics, accountability, and personal responsibility—core tenets of her counseling philosophy.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Impact on Children’s Stability ([01:36] - [03:47]):

   • Dr. Laura highlights how the dissolution of the relationship affects the children, who have already experienced the loss of their original family structure.
   • She points out the inconsiderate actions of adults who fail to account for the emotional toll on children:

     "These kinds of things are so thoughtless that adults do and don't consider." ([02:15])

2. Consequences of Trying to Form a Makeshift Family ([03:47] - [04:07]):

   • Emphasizes that attempting to create a blended family without proper commitment often leads to further emotional harm for the children.
   • Notes that statistically, 70% of such situations do not work out, leading to repeated losses for the children involved.

3. Acknowledgment and Responsibility ([04:11] - [06:19]):

   • Dr. Laura commends the caller for recognizing the negative impact of his choices:

     "I admire you tremendously to say you've been listening to the program and realize you've hurt your kids and you've helped hurt her Kids." ([02:55])

   • She urges the caller to take concrete steps to address the harm done:
     • Apologize to his children: Admit mistakes openly and honestly.
     • Focus on their well-being: Prioritize their needs above personal desires.
     • Educate the children: Help them unlearn the misconception that commitment is unimportant.
     • Commit to responsible parenting: Dedicate full attention to nurturing and stabilizing the children's environment.

Notable Quotes:

• On Responsibility:

  "This history of your choices, what impact has it had on your kids? Tell me." ([04:11])

• On Teaching Values:

  "Tell him the truth you screwed up and tell him the ways you screwed up. Hurting your original marriage, making a decision to divorce, playing games with this woman and her kids." ([05:11])

Actionable Steps Suggested

Dr. Laura provides a clear roadmap for the caller to rectify the situation and rebuild trust with his children:

1. Honest Admission of Fault ([05:03] - [05:17]):

   • Encourage the caller to sit down with his children and sincerely apologize for the turmoil caused by the relationship breakdown.
   • Example Dialogue:

     "Tell him the truth you screwed up and tell him the ways you screwed up." ([05:11])

2. Focus on Sole Parenting ([05:17] - [06:14]):

   • Dr. Laura advises the caller to concentrate his efforts on raising his own children independently:

     "Raise your kids. Come on, you tell me, what does? This was all wrong." ([05:11])

3. Long-Term Commitment to Integrity ([06:14] - [06:38]):

   • By taking full responsibility and being transparent, the caller can foster respect and understanding from his children:

     "This will be another level. It's what you need to do in order to help him come to another point of understanding that decisions matter to kids." ([06:28])

Conclusion and Final Advice

Dr. Laura concludes the conversation by reinforcing the importance of accountability and the positive long-term effects of being vulnerable and honest with one’s children. She underscores that while the corrective measures may be challenging initially, they will ultimately lead to stronger familial bonds and personal integrity.

Final Thoughts:

• Emphasizes the transformative power of admitting mistakes:

  "You're going to feel very good that you could be this upfront and this vulnerable and this open and take that much responsibility." ([06:19])

• Highlights the lasting respect and trust that honesty can cultivate:

  "He will respect you more for the rest of his life." ([06:34])

Episode Takeaways

• Prioritize Children’s Well-Being: Decisions in relationships should always consider the emotional and psychological impact on children.
• Accountability is Crucial: Admitting faults and taking responsibility is essential for personal growth and repairing damaged relationships.
• Long-Term Stability Over Short-Term Satisfaction: Ensuring a stable and supportive environment for children is paramount, even if it requires difficult choices in personal relationships.
• Effective Communication: Open and honest dialogue with children can help mitigate the negative effects of familial disruptions.

Listener Engagement: Dr. Laura encourages listeners to engage with her content by rating the podcast and sharing it on social media, furthering the reach of her advice and support.

Contact Information: For more personalized advice, listeners can reach out via her dedicated hotline:

• Phone: 1-800-DR-LAURA (1-800-375-2872)

Note: Advertisements during the episode, including those from T-Mobile and a beverage company, were omitted from this summary to focus solely on the content-driven discussion between Dr. Laura and her caller.