Touched a nerve: 5 phrases from grandmothers that can lead to psychological trauma

04.05.2024 17:10

It seems that grandmothers always spoil their grandchildren and try to maintain a good mood during interactions.

Is everything really that clear-cut?

There are phrases from grandmothers that can be very hurtful and even cause psychological problems, and they are worth examining in more detail.

"You are fat"

This phrase, even if spoken without malice, can cause serious damage to a child's self-esteem.

Instead of helping a child accept themselves as they are, comments like these can create feelings of shame and negative body image.

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Photo: Pixabay

And don’t forget that criticism from a grandmother always looks more painful.

"You always make mistakes"

Criticism from grandmothers can be quite strong, especially when it comes to the successes or failures in the life of a grandchild.

Constantly reminding a child of mistakes can create a feeling of inadequacy and helplessness, and can also reduce his or her self-confidence.

The problem is that many grandmothers exaggerate mistakes. The world has changed, and while some mistakes are now taken calmly, they used to cause an ambiguous reaction.

"You will never be able to..."

Phrases that begin with "you can never" can cause a child to stop believing in his or her abilities and capabilities.

Limiting statements can plant the seed of doubt and fear of new challenges, which can lead to psychological trauma and low self-esteem.

"You're not like everyone else."

Comparison with other people can cause a child to feel inferior and alienated.

The desire to be like others can lead to a loss of individuality and suppression of personal characteristics, which can ultimately lead to psychological problems.

There is simply no easier way to humiliate a child and provoke unnecessary questions at the moment.

"You should..."

Phrases that begin with "you should" can create a sense of obligation and guilt in a child, especially if he or she cannot or does not want to live up to the grandmother's expectations.

This can cause stress and anxiety, as well as lower self-esteem and confidence in your own decisions.

Raising a child on such principles can undermine their self-esteem and cause many problems in the future. Of course, children need to be taught responsibility and household chores, but it should not be an obligation.

Earlier we wrote about whether it is possible to wear things of deceased people.

Author: Valeria Kisternaya Editor of Internet resources

Content
  1. "You are fat"
  2. "You always make mistakes"
  3. "You will never be able to..."
  4. "You're not like everyone else."
  5. "You should..."