[Bitwhacker]

(Sorry I caused confusion; here is the last serious comment for the day:

You may look at your child's life and be awed by the possibilities. You may recognize that literally anything is possible for your child, limited only by what he or she is exposed to or is drawn to or is capable of doing. You probably encourage him or her to pursue whatever it is that is of interest, and would do all you can even if those things are wildly expensive (like medical school or studying the arts abroad). If so, that is wonderful.

But consider the parents who view their children a burden, who only see their children's lives a real drag on their own desires and ambitions. Some of these parents shut down their children at every turn: 'Don't even try, you'll never make it; Why would they let you do that?; You'll never be anything.' These parents are the ones who order their children to 'Snap out of it' when depression sets in...

So that's what I was reacting to when I saw MM's post about 'constantly denigrating' spouses...

We now return you to our regularly scheduled program...;-))

[Guenevere]

#62..There ARE parents like that.
I know there are.

[Northern Yankee]

You're right on with your post.

Perhaps another cup of coffee is needed for this poor soul?

It reminds of that old saying... that a child who lives live with criticism will learn to condemn,etc.