People Are Sharing Parenting Trends They Think Will Seriously Mess Kids Up Later

21.

“Letting kids drop an activity, bail on something, or, worse, skip school because they feel anxious or do not immediately love it. It creates a terrible cycle where they feel better in the short term, which reinforces avoidance, but they miss out on growth, resilience, and confidence. It stunts their ability to become capable young adults.”

—u/OutwardSpark

“I think this one is nuanced — not the school part, obviously, they should not skip school. As a kid, I was encouraged to try new things with the understanding that I could quit, with the exception that if money was invested, there was a minimum time requirement.

That approach helped me step outside my comfort zone and try things I otherwise never would have tried. It carried into adulthood. I know many adults who are afraid to take risks with travel, moving, new jobs, or career changes. I’m comfortable with that because I know I can pivot if something doesn’t work, and it’s worked out well for me.”

—u/conbird