These 15 Signs Show Your Parents Were Really Strict Growing Up
Growing up with tough parents often leaves lasting impressions. While strict rules and high expectations can teach valuable lessons, they can also impact how you see yourself and navigate the world as an adult.
Many people raised under strict parenting don’t realize how much it shaped their personality and habits until later in life. If you’re wondering whether your upbringing was on the tougher side, here are 15 signs your parents were really tough on you growing up.
Perfection Was Expected
Your parents didn’t just want you to do well—they expected you to be perfect. Anything less than top marks or perfect behavior was seen as unacceptable.
This pressure made you strive for excellence but also left you fearful of making mistakes. You may still struggle with perfectionism as an adult.
You Were Held To Adult Standards
Even as a child, your parents expected you to act like a mature adult. You were responsible for household tasks or helping with younger siblings beyond your age.
There wasn’t much room for typical childhood behavior or mistakes. This likely made you more independent, but it may have also caused stress.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
They Controlled Every Decision
From what you wore to how you spent your free time, your parents had the final say in everything. You rarely had the freedom to make decisions or express your preferences.
While this kept you on a specific path, it may have stifled your sense of independence. You might find it hard to trust your own judgment now.
Mistakes Were Not Tolerated
Your parents had little tolerance for mistakes, no matter how minor. Punishments for errors were often harsh, leaving you afraid to take risks.
This could have made you extremely cautious, always striving to avoid failure. Even today, fear of failure might be something you struggle with.
You Were Afraid to Disappoint Them
The thought of disappointing your parents was terrifying. Their approval meant everything, and you worked hard to make sure you never let them down.
This fear of letting them down may have caused anxiety and still lingers in your adult life. You might seek validation from authority figures now.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Discipline Was Strict And Frequent
Your parents believed in strict discipline, and consequences were handed out often. Whether it was physical punishment or loss of privileges, the rules were rigid.
This may have taught you obedience but also left you feeling disconnected or resentful. You might still feel uneasy around strict authority figures.
Your Opinions Weren’t Considered
Your parents rarely asked for your opinion, and when they did, it wasn’t taken seriously. Decisions were made for you, and you had little say in family matters.
This could have left you feeling voiceless or insignificant in your own home. As an adult, you may struggle to assert yourself in relationships or at work.
You Were Always Compared To Others
Your achievements were constantly measured against those of other children. Whether it was your siblings or classmates, comparisons were frequent.
This may have made you feel like you were never good enough, no matter how hard you tried. The need to prove yourself may still linger today.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Affection Was Rare Or Conditional
Love and affection from your parents felt tied to your achievements or behavior. If you did well, you received praise, but if you made mistakes, affection was withheld.
This may have made you equate love with performance, affecting how you form relationships now. You might still struggle to feel loved unconditionally.
They Set Unrealistically High Expectations
Your parents set goals for you that were difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. Whether it was academic success or excelling in extracurriculars, nothing ever seemed like enough.
This pushed you to work hard, but it may have also caused burnout. As an adult, you might set excessively high standards for yourself.
Failure Was Met With Shame
Failing at something didn’t just lead to disappointment—it brought a sense of shame. Your parents made you feel like failure reflected a personal flaw, not just a learning opportunity.
This likely caused you to internalize guilt, making it hard to cope with setbacks today. You might still feel anxious in competitive environments.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
They Were Overly Involved In Your Life
Your parents wanted to be involved in every aspect of your life, from your schoolwork to your friendships. This over-involvement may have left you feeling smothered or lacking in privacy.
As an adult, you may struggle with setting boundaries or feeling autonomous. Your independence might have developed later in life.
You Rarely Heard Praise
Praise was rare, and when it came, it was often followed by a critique. Even when you succeeded, your parents focused on what you could improve next time.
This may have made you feel like your efforts were never fully recognized. You might still struggle with self-criticism as a result.
They Had Little Tolerance For Emotions
Emotional expression was often discouraged, and you were told to “toughen up.” Crying or showing vulnerability was seen as weakness.
This may have caused you to bottle up emotions and struggle with expressing them as an adult. Emotional vulnerability might feel uncomfortable or foreign to you now.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Their Love Felt Conditional
Love from your parents often felt like it depended on your behavior or achievements. When you succeeded, you felt loved, but mistakes or failures made you question it.
This created anxiety around maintaining their approval. You might now feel like love from others is something you have to earn.
More from IEPMommy
- 30 Beautiful Baby Girl Names You’ll Never Regret Choosing
- Disillusioned Parents Share 26 Harsh Realities of Raising Kids
- We Asked Our Parents to Stop Giving Toys to Our Kids And Give Them These Instead
- The 25 Sweetest and Girliest Names for Your Little Princess
- 18 Hilarious Fads That Will Disappear with Baby Boomers
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
