Breaking the Myths of Parenthood: Overcoming Stigma & Embracing Your Own Path
The truth is, most of us didn’t come up with this impossible standard on our own. We inherited it. The idea of what makes a “good parent” has been shaped over time—by history, culture, economics, and, more recently, social media. It’s worth asking: Where did this pressure come from? And do we actually want to keep carrying it?
Even more importantly, the pursuit of perfection in parenting isn’t just exhausting for parents—it’s also ineffective and, in many cases, harmful to children. Studies have shown that children raised under perfectionist parenting styles experience increased anxiety, reduced self-esteem, and struggle with autonomy. When parents aim for an unrealistic ideal, it creates pressure that can make children feel like their worth is based on performance rather than who they are. Instead of fostering resilience, connection, and confidence, perfectionist parenting often results in the opposite: fear of failure, stress, and a lack of emotional security.
Course•By Brittany Maalona
