The podcast discusses the universal experience of feeling younger and less confident than we appear, and emphasizes the importance of supporting and loving our children through this journey.
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Quick takeaways
Imposter syndrome is a universal human experience, regardless of age and appearance.
As parents, it is crucial to support and reassure our children through their internal struggles of appearing mature and confident.
Deep dives
Imposter Syndrome is Universal
No matter our age or appearance, we all experience imposter syndrome. Even as kids grow and try to appear more mature, they are still plagued with doubts and concerns about their own capabilities. This phenomenon is not unique to individuals and is instead a nearly universal human experience.
Supportive Parenting
As parents, it is essential to be there for our children. It is vital to see beyond their attempts to appear put together and adult-like, and instead recognize their internal struggles. By providing reassurance, understanding, and unconditional love, we can help our children navigate their own imposter syndrome and build confidence in themselves.
Do you remember when you were in fourth grade and you looked across the playground and saw the sixth graders? They looked so much older. So much bigger. Their lives seemed so much different than yours. Then time passed and eventually you took the place of those sixth graders on the playground. But did you actually feel that much older and bigger and different? Of course not. You didn’t feel anything like what you imagined those confident, older kids would have felt like. You were still you—insecure, scared, wondering what to do next.
It’s important to realize this phenomenon is not a quirk of your personality. It is a nearly universal human experience. We all have a little bit of that imposter syndrome, no matter what we look like or how old or young we are. Your own kids are no exception. Even though they are growing like crazy, even though they might pretend to be so mature and so beyond where they were even a few months ago, the truth is that inside they are full of doubts and concerns. They are looking around wondering when the hell they are going to feel as put together and as ‘adult’ as they imagine everyone else does.
Your 5-year-old feels that way. Your 15-year-old feels that way. Your 25-year-old feels that way. Just as you did. Just as you will continue to at 45 and 50 and 75.
So be there for them. See through the posturing. Reassure them. Love them accordingly.