Psychology Today | 02.10.2026 03:44
As a child and family psychologist, I see how most parents want their children to feel capable, secure, and ready for life. Yet, some of the things we do out of love send an unintended message. That message is: "You can't handle this" or "You're wrong to feel that way." Yet another problematic message is: "You are only good enough when you succeed." Having spent thousands of hours listening to struggling adult children and their parents, I hear how painful these messages are and the long-term negative impacts they cause.
