Critical parenting leads to fear, people-pleasing behaviors 🧠

Casey Smith knows firsthand how damaging critical parenting can be. Growing up, her parents constantly judged and criticized everything - from her appearance to her choices. This constant negativity didn't just hurt her feelings; it changed how she saw herself.

What Happens When Parents Are Always Critical?

When parents spend a lot of time criticizing others and their children, kids start to internalize those negative messages. They begin to believe:

• They're never good enough

• Their choices are always wrong

• They need to be perfect to be loved

The Hidden Impact on Children

Smith shares that her parents' constant criticism led to:

• Fear of rejection

• People-pleasing behaviors

• Low self-esteem

• Constant worry about being judged

How Criticism Becomes a Cycle

Kids often learn to copy their parents' behavior. Smith realized she started criticizing others to gain her parents' approval. This creates a toxic pattern that can follow children into adulthood.

Breaking the Cycle: What Parents Can Do

• Practice positive communication

• Focus on encouragement

• Listen more than you speak

• Show unconditional love

• Recognize your child's unique strengths

Expert Advice

Dr. Barbara Greenberg suggests:

• Appreciate your child's qualities

• Allow them to make mistakes

• Build their confidence

• Avoid constant judgment

Bullet Points:

• Constant criticism from parents can lead children to internalize the message that they're never good enough, need to be perfect, and that their choices are always wrong.

• This constant negative feedback may result in fear of rejection, low self-esteem, and people-pleasing behaviors as children strive to avoid judgment.

• Children often learn by example, and those raised in a critical environment may adopt similar behaviors, criticising others in an attempt to gain approval.

• Experts suggest that practicing positive communication, offering encouragement, actively listening, demonstrating unconditional love, and recognising a child’s unique strengths can help mitigate these negative effects.