Psychoanalyst warning to parents
In a recent Fox News Article entitled “Parents are pushing their kids ‘to the brink’ today, warns psychoanalyst: ‘Take a good look at yourself'” . The main points of the article revolve around the observations and advice of Erica Komisar, a New York City-based clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, and parenting expert.
Younger kids and anxiety
Komisar’s primary argument is that many parents today are pushing their children too hard, which can lead to negative consequences such as anxiety and depression. She noticed this trend two decades ago when she began receiving referrals for increasingly younger children. As a consultant for preschools and primary schools in Manhattan, she observed a growing number of children being diagnosed and medicated at an early age for these mental health issues.
Recommendation for parents
The article emphasizes Komisar’s recommendation for parents to “take their foot off the gas” and critically examine their own behavior. She suggests that parents should help their children learn to deal with overwhelming experiences rather than excessively doing things for them.
Komisar also points out the potential harm when parents excessively focus on academic and material success, which can lead to an imbalance in children’s lives. She advocates for helping children find balance and the best in themselves.
The article also references a recent study of 2,000 adults, suggesting that many people would like to give their younger selves advice relevant to parenting, such as “Relax and enjoy the ride”.
Final thoughts
While the article is a compelling read that highlights the importance of balanced parenting and the potential harm of excessive pressure on children. It effectively uses the insights of a professional in the field to provide valuable advice to parents. However, it could have been improved by including more diverse perspectives or data to support the claims made.
