How Parenting Shapes Who You Become:

The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Rules, Values, and Social Exposure

Your True Direction

At the Crossroads of Possibility — A child’s journey begins, with endless paths leading to unknown futures

Ever wonder how much your upbringing — more especially, how your parents brought you up — has shaped who you are now? Everything you are exposed to as a child, from strict rules and religious beliefs to social norms and ethics, shapes who you become. Whether you’re highly social or introverted, a rule-follower or a boundary-pusher, much of it can be traced back to your upbringing. Let’s break down how different aspects of parenting mold us into the adults we become.

Below are five key areas where parenting styles directly influence adult life, and how they might still be shaping you today.

1. How Your Parents’ Rules Shape Your Adult Boundaries

The way your parents enforced rules has a significant impact on how you set limits as an adult. If you grew up in a strict family, you may bring those strict standards into your relationships, at work, and with friends. You’re good at saying no. You can also find it difficult to be flexible though, worried about what might happen should regulations be broken.

On the other hand, if you were raised in a household where there were few or inconsistent…