Parenting and family stuff

But because adults conceal their flaws, and at the same time insist on high standards of behavior for kids, a lot of kids grow up feeling they fall hopelessly short. They walk around feeling horribly evil for having used a swearword, while in fact most of the adults around them are doing much worse things.

Kids who are taught to keep a stiff upper lip become adults who hide their suffering. Appearing composed doesn't mean they aren't hurting. They might be reluctant to show vulnerability or impose on others. The emotions people express aren't always a clue to the pain they feel.... See more

One thing adults conceal about sex they also conceal about drugs: that it can cause great pleasure. That's what makes sex and drugs so dangerous. The desire for them can cloud one's judgement—which is especially frightening when the judgement being clouded is the already wretched judgement of a teenage kid.

Here parents' desires conflict. Older... See more