"When we control children according to guidelines, we train them to lose a sense of their internal compass. Control isn't safety; it teaches children to override their signals."
"When teachers prize obedience and punish kids when it is not achieved, there is no space for individuality. This leaves our children without a strong sense of self."
"We think of control as good parenting, but it can lead to low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation, which are often mischaracterized as traits of the child."
"There is something beautiful about holding space for children to recognize who they are and what they want, rather than forcing them into predefined molds."
Parents often feel pressured to adhere to guidelines for children's activities, believing control equates to good parenting. However, enforcing strict control can diminish children's individuality and internal signals. Forcing children to eat certain foods or limiting their interests can lead to a loss of self-awareness and self-esteem. Symptoms like low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation are often misattributed to the child rather than recognized as reactions to a controlling environment. Embracing individuality and allowing children to explore their interests is crucial for their mental health.
Read at Psychology Today
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