Being strict often means reSTRICTing a child’s social development for reasons that go beyond just keeping them safe.

Relationships

Strict parents often don’t allow their kids to make friends outside of school because they aren’t allowed to go anywhere. By the time they’re old enough to have more freedom, it’s often too late—everyone has already formed their cliques and friend groups.

Dating

Strict parents tend to be completely against dating. They shut down any ideas of it, block attempts to build connections, or act overly invasive and weird about it. Then, later, they have the nerve to ask when you’re getting married, as if their behavior didn’t cause you emotional damage. And if it’s not outright rejection, you might hear, “We’ll pick the ideal partner for you,” as if that’s any better.

Career

Your career choices are often out of the question. Strict parents push you into pursuing what they think is best because “money is more important than happiness.” This results in immense stress because you’re forced down a path you never wanted in the first place.

Communication

Many kids with strict parents stop trying to communicate at a young age. They learn not to share their feelings because they don’t want to be seen as a burden or hear “no” again.

Discipline

When kids with strict parents finally gain independence, they often struggle to know when to set boundaries for themselves. Since they were never allowed to go out or make their own decisions, they tend to overdo it, which can lead to serious consequences.

Confidence

Strict parents often destroy their child’s confidence by never letting them make decisions on their own. Constant criticism and undermining their choices leave kids feeling incapable and insecure.

Privacy

With strict parents, privacy is non-existent. You grow up not even understanding what it truly means to have personal space or boundaries.

Moral of the Story

Rebel. Your parents might hate it now, but they’ll get over it. It’s better than growing old, hating yourself, and blaming all your problems on people who might not even be around anymore.