People who were overly praised and never criticized as a child usually develop these 8 traits later in life

Ava Sinclair by Ava Sinclair | October 3, 2024, 11:52 pm

Growing up in a bubble of constant praise and zero criticism might sound like a dream, but it sets the stage for certain traits to develop later on. These traits can be a mixed bag, bringing both perks and pitfalls into adulthood.

They’re not inherently good or bad—just outcomes of a specific childhood vibe. They shape how you navigate the world, how you see yourself, and how you handle relationships and challenges.

If this hits close to home, you might be wondering what these traits are and how they play out in your life today.

In the next section, we’ll dive into 8 common traits found in folks who grew up bathed in praise and shielded from critique.

1) Difficulty accepting criticism

Growing up with heaps of praise and little criticism might make taking criticism as an adult a tough gig. Your early years set the stage for expecting nothing but positivity, so any critique can feel like a slap in the face.

This struggle can show up in different ways—getting defensive, feeling overly bummed out or anxious about negative feedback, or just shrugging it off entirely. 

But hey, here’s the scoop: constructive criticism is gold for personal and professional growth.

2) Underestimating the value of hard work

Another trait found in those who grew up basking in praise and avoiding criticism is downplaying the importance of hard work. When every little thing you do gets praised sky-high, it’s easy to think success just falls into your lap, no sweat required.

This mindset can breed a lack of oomph or reluctance to roll up your sleeves for tough jobs. You might find yourself putting things off or steering clear of tasks that need some serious elbow grease.

Sure, we all have days when motivation’s in short supply or we dodge the tricky stuff. But if it’s a regular theme in your life, it could trace back to those childhood habits.

3) Inflated sense of entitlement

Enjoying preferential treatment 24/7 can also lead to an inflated sense of entitlement. Constant praise can create a belief that you deserve special treatment or that things should always go your way.

This sense of entitlement can manifest in various aspects of your life. You might expect automatic success in your endeavors or assume that others should cater to your needs and desires.

Such expectations can strain your relationships and create unnecessary conflicts.  

4) Struggle with failure or setbacks

Growing up in a world of constant praise makes facing failure or setbacks extra tough. You’re wired to expect wins, so when things don’t pan out, it hits hard.

This battle might show up as avoiding new stuff, sticking to what you know to dodge failure, or feeling major stress and anxiety when things go south.

Fear of failure? It’s a real buzzkill for your progress.

But here’s the lowdown: failure’s just another part of the ride, a chance to learn and grow. Embracing that is key.

5) Difficulty handling constructive criticism

For folks who grew up soaked in praise and shielded from criticism, handling constructive feedback can be a real struggle. When you’re used to nothing but applause, any hint of critique feels like a punch to the gut.

This challenge can spill over into your professional life, impacting your relationships and career growth. You might get defensive or brush off feedback entirely, missing chances to level up.

A word to the wise: constructive criticism? It’s gold for your growth. The key is to swallow your ego and see where it comes from. 

6) Tendency towards perfectionism

A childhood devoid of brutal honesty can breed a perfectionist streak. When every move earns a round of applause, you start expecting nothing short of flawless. Anything less feels like a flop, piling on the stress.

But here’s the kicker: aiming for perfection is a one-way ticket to burnout and a shattered sense of self-esteem. It can mess with your head and even strain your relationships.

Spotting this perfectionist streak and dialing back those sky-high expectations? That’s essential for your well-being.  

7) Difficulties in understanding emotions

When you grow up with too much praise and not enough critique, you can end up having a slightly off-kilter emotional radar. Without a balanced mix of feedback, you miss out on learning the ropes of different feelings.

For example, you might find it tough to tune into others’ emotions or even to pin down and express your own. And that can make building close bonds and handling emotional stuff like a pro a real challenge.

Bottom line is, getting a grip on your feelings and navigating emotional waters is crucial for growing as a person and building solid connections.

8) Reliance on external validation

Let’s wrap up with a chat about depending on outside praise.

If you grew up being showered with praise and shielded from criticism, you might lean heavily on others’ opinions to feel good about yourself.

This reliance can take a toll on your self-worth, confidence, and decision-making mojo. You might struggle to make choices without seeking nods of approval or feel like you’re always on stage, trying to impress.

But here’s the scoop: emotional stability and personal growth are not attainable when your self-esteem and confidence are reliant on external validation.  

Your future is more than the sum of your past mistakes

If these traits hit close to home, know they don’t define you. They’re just results of certain childhood experiences, and recognizing them is the first step toward growth.

Understanding how your past shapes your present is key for personal development. Once you’ve got that down, you can start shaking off old habits and finding healthier ways to cope.

Consider reaching out to a pro like a therapist or counselor for guidance. They’ve got the tools to help you tackle these traits, boost your resilience, and build a better self-image.

Remember, it’s not about dwelling on the past, but understanding how it shapes your present so you can craft a future where you thrive. We’re rooting for you every step of the way.