An opinion is always subjective and will depend on one’s own experiences; it is on this basis that we can draw conclusions.

I’ve always loved learning, but not just from what I’m taught or from my own experiences, but also by looking at my surroundings, at other people, and by observing. You can learn a great deal from that, especially about getting to know people and avoiding making the same mistakes, or as few as possible. That’s why my opinions are always based on what I’ve been through, which sometimes feels like an eternity. When things are intense and overwhelming, it feels as though time stands still, which is why I often feel as though I’m three times my actual age.

In this sense, the subject of upbringing is something I’ve experienced first-hand, like everyone else, but with certain nuances, as is the case for many, each through their own unique experience. But today I’ll start at the end. Poor parenting does have a significant impact on the child who experiences it; depending on just how severe it is, it can affect one or several areas of their life. And if that child grows into an adult and fails to overcome, or rather, to heal, what they have been subjected to, if they fail to change it, it will affect them forever. There are some things it is difficult to escape.

If their upbringing has been based on limiting beliefs, for example, that they will suffer from scarcity all their life and not know why, that upbringing becomes ingrained in the child’s subconscious and will steer their life as if they were on autopilot.

If a person manages to understand what is happening and how their upbringing has shaped them in an unhelpful way that is damaging their life, this can be sorted out. It’s by no means easy; it takes time and effort, but with good mentors and people who understand the issue and know how to help you move forward, it is possible. Anything is possible in this life; you just need the will and the desire. You might not improve 100 per cent, but any change that improves your life will always be worth it, and that starts from within, the mind, the way you think, from within yourself. If you change, the world changes.

As I said before, whether something is considered a poor upbringing is highly subjective, but based on what I’ve experienced and observed around me, and how upbringing has influenced me and others, and how it has shaped so many aspects of life, I can draw some conclusions.

A poor upbringing is one in which there is no love, where parental love is lacking, its expressions, that love shown not only in words but through actions; though I do not wish to downplay the importance of words, as they are very important. Beautiful words full of affection and love are essential, as are the physical expressions of that love, such as a kiss, a caress or heartfelt hugs.

If this is lacking, a child’s whole life can be affected; if someone does not receive love, how can they give it to others? They may feel empty, alone, as though something is missing, sad, make poor choices or even beg for affection. They may do things in life just to be accepted, or even suppress their own needs to avoid suffering, in the event that this child needs, although everyone needs, those expressions of love and kind words, and does not receive them.

Love encompasses everything; it is the greatest word. If there is love, then everything else becomes easier, and I am talking about responsible love, not permissive or careless love, but a love that is mindful of many things.

Poor parenting means giving a child everything, to the extent that they later fail to appreciate the things in life or the effort it takes to achieve them. It is a complicated issue because, even if there is no poverty in that family, one must teach the value of things properly, not by denying the child everything, but by teaching them. Good parenting involves ensuring the child understands the world, the need for effort, responsibility, honesty, and many other things necessary for navigating life and society.

Poor parenting is when there is no dialogue with the child, when everything is taken for granted; it is not enough to lead by example, there are things in life that require words, and dialogue is essential. This is also key to establishing a good relationship with parents and, in turn, building good relationships with other people in life. There should be no taboos; rather, this dialogue should foster the necessary trust in those parents.

Poor parenting is when a child is taught false beliefs and told negative things which they then internalise, affecting their life forever. Poor parenting involves telling a child that they are useless, good for nothing, or ugly, and, of course, going to extremes such as physical or verbal abuse, psychological abuse, or any other form of abuse that leads the child into a state of submission, depression, sadness, low self-worth, a lack of self-esteem, and many other negative consequences.

Of course, extremes are harmful, so poor parenting also involves making a child believe they are superior to others, fostering an ego that leads them to believe that whatever they do, think or say is the only truth and that they are always right.

Poor parenting occurs when there is neglect of any kind, not just physical neglect, but also emotional neglect, a lack of time, or a lack of quality time, and so on.

Poor parenting exists whenever a child is unable to develop fully, to love themselves and to face society with all that it entails; that is why poor parenting is when parents fail to prepare their child for social reality, by making them strong and instilling principles and values in them. Good parenting is when a child is given the tools to be a good person, who respects others and commands respect, who knows who they truly are and understands the truths of life.

I learnt many of these things along the way, in the course of life as it unfolds, presenting us with things to learn and discover. Thank you for these weekend topics, @galenkp. And thank you all for joining me today; I wish you a lovely weekend. See you soon.
Amonet.