“Too many parents make life hard for their children by trying, too zealously, to make it easy for them.”

When a child feels survivor guilt because of the unconscious belief that he or she will hurt a loved one by having greater satisfaction in life, is this inference always accurate? Frequently, the child is completely correct. Spurred by feelings of envy, competition, or fears of abandonment, parents often do begrudge their children’s success and

These children show superior ability to think about global ideas like justice and fairness. Being so intensely aware of world issues and the feelings of others can make them vulnerable to being overwhelmed. In addition, they have to face adult reactions that do not meet their expectations. For example, they may want to help the poor and homeless by