The Danger of Conditional Love and Recognition

Many individuals grow up seeking love, respect, and recognition from their fathers, but often find themselves striving endlessly and feeling as though their accomplishments are never enough. This can create a sense of thirstiness, desperation, and conditional self-worth. Comedian Pete Holmes humorously captures this dynamic in a poem where mom is impressed, but dad remains unimpressed. However, this approach to seeking validation sets individuals up to look for love and recognition in unhealthy ways. Children should not have to earn love and respect; it is their right. When children feel supported and believed in, they are empowered to do their best work.