Are You Raising an Anxious Adult?

Midweek recommendation

In our previous post, we explored what happens when kindness feels like a costume, when kids who’ve always been praised for being “so good” quietly begin to unravel under the weight of that role.

But here’s another layer to the same struggle: what happens when we not only praise their goodness… but work hard to protect their happiness?

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist, parenting expert, and founder of Good Inside. Her work is rooted in a powerful idea: “All kids are good inside. And so are all parents.”

In this 60-second video, Dr. Becky explains something many of us don’t see until it’s too late. When prioritising our child’s short-term happiness- keeping them comfortable, avoiding disappointment, smoothing over conflict- we may rob them of something much more important.

Watch: This 60-second insight from Dr. Becky Kennedy

“You actually narrow the range of emotions kids believe they can cope with… and you end up with adults who are remarkably anxious.”

It’s tempting to protect “the good kid.” But the real work is helping them hold discomfort, and still know they’re loved. That’s how kindness becomes a choice, not a performance.

So the next time your child is upset, frustrated, or disappointed, pause before rushing in to make it better because every moment of discomfort they face and live through is a quiet vote of confidence.

You’re telling them: “You can handle hard things. And I’ll be here while you do.”

That’s how we raise kind kids who aren’t just calm in the moment, but strong for a lifetime.

Remember, Raising kind isn’t always easy. But it’s always worth it.
See you soon with the next issue of Raising Ki(n)d.

Gaurav G