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Childhood can be a mixed bag. We can bitch and moan because ours was not perfect, but guess what? No one’s childhood is perfect. Even worse, it’s not supposed to be perfect. It’s the first place we discover how to overcome obstacles and move through adversity.
It’s unfortunate that too many modern parents have confused negative childhood experiences on the playground with abuse and trauma. They are a “woke” generation that spews criticism at suggestions of anything other than praise and perfect outcomes for their precious child. This is the laughable part — these overprotective parents think stellar efforts will produce a child that is well adjusted and confident in their abilities.
News flash, folks. You’ve created a generation of wimps who don’t have either the confidence or courage to forge through the reality of life. It will be tough for them as adults when you’re no longer there to push them to be top athletes, honor roll students, and — oh yes, save the world from climate change.
But a life lived for parents or other people will leave us insecure, full of self-doubt, and little confidence in our abilities. The reason is simple: we’ve relied on someone else for our North Star so when we face a choice to make or a problem to overcome, we don’t have the mental toughness to move forward with confidence.
