They sacrificed you on the altar of their success . Or they gave in to other addictions . Success addicts and drug addicts often display similar obsessions . 1 Workaholic or alcoholic — there ’ s not much difference .
“ My Parents Were Permissive ”
Your parents let you get away with almost anything short of murder . This is “ Yes , I love you , and yes , you can have your own way ” parenting . Or maybe for you love wasn ’ t part of the equation — just “ You can have your own way .” In either case , you suffered from a lack of structure . You didn ’ t know the boundaries . You grew up without guardrails . something — or their anger was always lurking just below the surface , ready to erupt . Anger is a normal human emotion . Jesus experienced anger . But one or both of your parents didn ’ t process their anger well . Even if they encouraged you with verbal and physical affection , their anger stole it back .
They could be peevish , petty , and prickly . They easily and regularly lost their temper , but you never knew what triggered them . They were serial overreactors . This made you cower .
“ My Parents Were Demanding ”
“ My Parents Were Enabling ”
Your parents smothered you with attention because ( to them ) you could do no wrong . They showered you with freedom , things , and the faulty impression that you were the center of the universe . But they didn ’ t provide enough structure to teach you how to fend for yourself and take personal responsibility .
Your parents gave too much and required too little . You never faced accountability because they always rescued you .
“ My Parents Were Angry ”
Your parents were usually upset about
Your parents were overbearing , demanding , and controlling . Their list of rules gave new meaning to the term “ strict .” They didn ’ t have conversations with you ; they issued commands . You learned not to ask too many questions , have a different opinion , or speak unless spoken to . You were not allowed to just be a kid — to be yourself .
If permissive parents are too lax , demanding parents are legalistic . You felt unusually high demands for conformity and outward obedience .
“ My Parents Were Belittling ”
While emotional neglect is passive , your parents actively invalidated your emotions
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