For those who remember what you were like as a kid, what do you think made you that way?
I’m really curious about people’s childhood experiences and how much parenting/environment actually played into the kind of kid they were.
If you were considered a “good kid” growing up what did that actually look like? Were you responsible, quiet, empathetic, motivated, easygoing, etc.? And what do you think your parents did that helped you become that way?
And if you were considered a “bad kid” what did that look like? Were you getting in trouble, lying, stealing, fighting, skipping school, being defiant, struggling emotionally, constantly pushing boundaries, etc.? Looking back as an adult, do you think your parents’ parenting contributed to it? Or were there other things going on that had more to do with who you were naturally, your environment, friends, school, trauma, personality, neurodivergence, etc.?
I’m especially interested in people who have changed a lot from childhood to adulthood. Were you a difficult kid who grew into a pretty responsible adult? Or were you a “perfect” kid who struggled later in life?
Basically, what were you like as a kid, what were your parents/guardians like, and what do you think the connection was if any?
No judgment toward anyone’s parents or childhood. I’m genuinely curious about the nature vs. nurture side of this and what other people’s experiences have been.
As a parent I always sit and wonder what I can do to nurture my children and also guide them towards the best possible outcome.
Of course I know they are their own people and I can only do so much.
My mother was very flippant and let me do a lot I never should have. On the other hand being too authoritarian with me as a kid wouldn’t have worked either.
I always looked at the “good kids” and wondered how/why/what made us different. Things changed dramatically for me as an adult, and I just wish it would’ve happened sooner!
Thanks in advance for your input 😊