Many parents dream of seeing their children excel, whether in academics, sports, or the arts. While a supportive parental influence can go a long way, there’s a fine line between guidance and imposing one’s own dreams on a child. The desire to relive or fulfill unaccomplished aspirations through kids is a temptation many parents face, but it’s a strategy that can backfire dramatically.
The Burden of Unrealized Dreams
Children are incredibly perceptive and can easily pick up on the emotional stakes their parents invest in their activities. If the child perceives that they are participating in an activity primarily to fulfill their parent’s ambitions, this places an undue emotional burden on them. Failure becomes about letting the parent down, rather than a natural part of learning and growing. This toxic mindset can lead to anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and other mental health issues in the long run.
“Control is an action stemming from authoritarian parenting… Control can irrevocably damage your relationship.” ~ Lainie Liberti – Seen, Heard & Understood
The Spark of Rebellion
As children grow older and reach adolescence, the natural inclination is to seek independence and forge their own identity. Teens yearning to assert themselves might choose to abandon the very activities their parents have steered them toward, not because they don’t necessarily enjoy them, but as a form of rebellion. This becomes a counterproductive endeavor, as years of training or education could be abandoned overnight, leaving the child in a state of loss and regret.
The Erosion of Parent-Child Relationship
Trying to live vicariously through children can also lead to strained parent-child relationships. When parents push too hard, they run the risk of becoming more of a coach or taskmaster than a nurturing figure. This shift in dynamic can erode the trust and emotional bond between parent and child, making it difficult to reconnect even when the child matures and understands their parent’s intentions.
If a child has experienced these two sides to their parents dynamic, this can lead to mistrust and fear at the reaction their parents may have when the child tries to confide in them, ultimately leaving the child to feel as though they need to withhold potentially important information to avoid conflict.
“Remember, just because you are the adult does not give you blanket authority over your teen, permission to control every decision in their lives, or an invitation to invade their privacy or dismiss their perspectives.” ~ Lainie Liberti – Seen, Heard & Understood
Missing the Chance for Genuine Discovery
When parents predetermine the path for their children, they also deprive them of the chance to explore and discover their own passions and talents. Every child is unique, and what worked for one may not necessarily suit another. Failing to provide children the room to make their own choices can stunt their personal growth, limiting their future potential.
“Don’t live vicariously through your kids or try to shape them into who you wanted to be, like the popular kid, or an athlete. Children should be given the opportunity to be themselves.” ~ Joan Cusack
To Wrap it up
While the temptation for parents to live their dreams through their children may be strong, the long-term effects can be detrimental for both parties involved. Children should be given the freedom to find their own way, to succeed and fail on their own terms, and most importantly, to discover what genuinely makes them happy. By stepping back and providing a supportive, rather than directive role, parents not only improve the emotional health and well-being of their children but also set the stage for a more authentic and fulfilling parent-child relationship.