Growing up without much praise can shape who we become in ways we might not even realize.

When we don’t receive enough positive reinforcement as kids, it can leave a lasting impact on our personalities and how we interact with the world.

Some traits might make life a bit more challenging, while others might push us to become stronger individuals.

Nevertheless, let’s discover what they are. 

1) They seek approval

Those who grew up with little praise often develop an intense desire for approval.

Psychology suggests that when children don’t receive enough affirmation, they may spend their adulthood seeking validation from others.

This can manifest in a variety of ways, from people-pleasing tendencies to a fear of rejection.

It’s a survival mechanism, really.

As children, we yearn for acceptance and affirmation from our caregivers – it’s a fundamental part of human nature.

If these needs are unmet, we may find ourselves continually striving for them well into adulthood.

Understanding this trait can be a critical step towards self-awareness and personal growth.

It’s not about blaming our past, but rather understanding how it has shaped us and learning to navigate life in light of that knowledge.

2) They’re perfectionists

Perfectionism is another common trait developed by those who received minimal praise as a child, and I can personally attest to this.

Growing up, I found that no achievement was ever good enough.

From school assignments to simple household chores, I strived for absolute perfection in the hopes of gaining some recognition or praise.

This ingrained in me a belief that only the best was worthy of attention.

Fast forward to adulthood, this translated into a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Whether it was a work project or a personal goal, I’d put pressure on myself to get it just right.

The fear of making mistakes or not meeting the high standards I set for myself became a constant companion.

Psychology suggests this is a way of compensating for the lack of validation during childhood.

Perfectionism becomes a means to seek the approval we craved as children but never received.

Once you realize this, you can break free from the exhausting cycle of perfectionism and embrace your flaws and imperfections.

3) They have a heightened sensitivity to criticism

People who received very little praise as children often develop a heightened sensitivity to criticism.

This is because they’ve been conditioned to expect negative feedback, even when they’ve done well.

In fact, research shows that children who are continuously criticized can become hypersensitive to any form of critique, constructive or otherwise, in their adult lives.

This sensitivity can result in defensive behaviors or self-doubt, impacting relationships and professional growth.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards developing healthier responses to criticism.

4) They struggle with self-esteem

Individuals who received little praise during their childhood often grapple with self-esteem issues.

The lack of affirmation can lead to a deeply ingrained belief that they are not good enough.

This constant self-doubt can then manifest in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to career growth.

They may constantly compare themselves to others and find it difficult to accept compliments.

By recognizing this trait, it’s possible to start rebuilding self-esteem through positive self-talk and self-compassion. 

5) They have difficulty expressing emotions

Growing up without much praise or affirmation, I found it challenging to express my emotions freely.

It felt safer to keep my feelings hidden than to share them and risk disappointment or disapproval.

This habit carried into adulthood, making it difficult to form deep connections or communicate effectively in relationships.

It often felt like there was an invisible barrier preventing me from fully opening up.

Psychology suggests this is a common trait among people who didn’t receive much praise as children. It’s a protective mechanism – if we don’t express our emotions, we can’t be hurt.

But it’s also a barrier to fulfilling relationships and emotional growth.

6) They are highly independent

Many people who received little praise in childhood develop a high level of independence.

They learn at a young age not to rely on others for validation or support, resulting in self-reliance.

While this trait can be beneficial in many aspects of life, such as problem-solving and resilience, it can also lead to isolation.

They may find it hard to ask for help even when they need it, fearing that it will make them look weak or incompetent.

Recognizing this tendency can help in fostering healthier interdependence in relationships and better teamwork in professional settings.

7) They are resilient

Despite the challenges they face, people who received little praise as a child often grow to be incredibly resilient.

The difficulties they’ve faced can mould them into strong, tenacious adults who are able to weather life’s storms with grace.

This resilience is a testament to their strength and their ability to overcome adversity.

While the journey may be tough, it’s also a powerful reminder of human potential and the capacity for growth and change.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey of self-discovery

It’s never too late to heal. Renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

Self-acceptance is the cornerstone of growth and transformation.

So whether you identify with all, some, or none of these traits, remember that each of us has the power to change.

We can learn, evolve, and grow at any stage of life. Our past may shape us, but it doesn’t define us.

After all, life is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. And understanding the past is often the first step towards a better future.