Graduate Shares Exciting News With Parents, Their Reaction Leaves Her Heartbroken

One of the most amazing things about being a parent is witnessing and celebrating all the milestones your child goes through. Whether it’s lacing up a shoe, acing a test, or riding a bike, making these moments memorable and filled with excitement boosts kids’ confidence and encourages their continuous growth, too.

Unfortunately, when this woman completed her PhD and announced the good news to her parents, they couldn’t be less enthusiastic about it. This completely broke her heart, which pushed her to share about it online.

Parents who celebrate their children’s successes boost their confidence and growth

Graduate in cap and gown looking thoughtful and crushed while gazing out a window on graduation day.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Unfortunately, these parents failed to do so, which left their daughter heartbroken

Alt text: Graduate feels crushed and emotionally overwhelmed after mother’s harsh reaction to delayed thesis completion.

Text excerpt about a graduate feeling crushed after mom doubted their success, mentioning family and sacrifices.

Graduate feels crushed after mom expresses doubt about still making it to graduation milestone.

Text excerpt about a graduate feeling crushed after a discouraging comment from their mom about still making it.

Woman feeling crushed and disappointed sitting with a man at a table, reflecting strained family emotions after graduation.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt showing a graduate feeling crushed after mom expressed doubt about still making it through.

Text on white background about comparing graduation experiences and parents’ reactions, focusing on feelings of a graduate.

Alt text: Emotional graduate feeling crushed and hurt after mother expresses doubt about their success and perseverance.

Graduate feels crushed after mom’s doubt, coping with family pressure while preparing for a job interview tomorrow.

Text image showing a graduate feeling crushed and hurt after their mom expressed disbelief in their success.

Image credits: DraculasCoffin

“As adults, those who never experienced positive reinforcement as children fear failure”

Young boy sitting on couch hugging pillow, looking sad and crushed, reflecting feelings after mom’s harsh words.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Studies have shown that when parents celebrate their children’s successes and milestones, they are building their kids’ self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to pursue their goals and interests. This ultimately shapes them to be resilient, determined, and well-rounded individuals. No matter how big or small, acknowledging their efforts and growth creates a positive reinforcement environment, where children feel valued and supported and have an overall good emotional well-being. 

Acknowledging milestones and successes also strengthens family bonds. By actively being there for their children and celebrating their triumphs, parents are fostering a deeper emotional connection with their children, which lets kids know that they’ll always have the support and guidance they need. 

Making a child’s milestones and successes memorable doesn’t always have to be elaborate, either. Sometimes all it takes is a verbal phrase, like saying, ‘You did great today, bub! I’m proud of you. Your hard work really paid off.’ At other times, it can come in the form of a reward, such as a treat or a sticker. Bigger milestones might already require a family celebration, like a dinner or a movie night. 

Unfortunately, not every child gets that, which can lead to undesirable traits in adulthood, like anxiety, fear of failure, or even imposter syndrome. 

“As adults, those who never experienced positive reinforcement as children fear failure and as a result they tend to avoid opportunities and challenges due to fear of not ‘measuring up’ or meeting expectations,” psychologist Dr. Adolph Brown pointed out. “This is all correlated to the lack of support and encouragement they received as children.”

Positive reinforcement from parents is important in adulthood, too

Graduate smiling in cap and gown with friends outside a city building celebrating graduation success.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Receiving positive reinforcement from parents isn’t only crucial in childhood, but it’s important in adulthood, too. It helps to maintain good relationships with adult children and lessens the likelihood of conflict, stress, and anxiety. Even if it’s a simple card from parents, feeling supported, appreciated, and loved is very impactful for adults.

That said, some are of the opinion that parents shouldn’t be too focused on kids’ achievements, as too much pressure to succeed can cause stress and anxiety, which hinders their likelihood of accomplishing something. Unrealistically h**h expectations can be counterproductive, especially when it comes to education.

“Although parental aspiration can help improve children’s academic performance, excessive parental aspiration can be poisonous,” said lead author Kou Murayama of a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. “Simply raising aspiration cannot be an effective solution to improve success in education,” Murayama said.

So how can parents help their children succeed without unintentionally putting too much pressure that can interfere with their milestones and achievements? Well, one solution could be to celebrate their failures as much as their successes. If parents want their children to develop, their kids have to know that experiencing mistakes is how we learn and grow. They’re sometimes even more beneficial than our small, easy wins. As Billie Jean King said, “It’s not failure, it’s feedback.”

Netizens flooded the original poster’s post with support

Comment expressing support for a graduate feeling crushed after mom’s lack of belief and excitement.

Alt text: Supportive message praising graduate’s hard journey and encouraging self-care after feeling crushed by mom’s doubt

Comment praising a graduate for their achievement despite criticism, emphasizing earned success and perseverance.

Text post reflecting a graduate feeling crushed after mom expresses doubt about their success at graduation ceremony.

Reddit user comforts graduate feeling crushed after mom doubted their ability to still make it and succeed in education.

Text comment congratulating a graduate and encouraging them to get a job and move out without letting others crush their joy.

Comment about graduate feeling crushed after mom’s disbelief, sharing personal struggles and offering encouragement for achievement.

Graduate looking crushed and hurt after reading a message from mom expressing disbelief in success.

Graduate feels crushed after mom’s disbelief, showing a text message expressing pride and support for the achievement.

Comment praising a graduate for overcoming mental health struggles and completing thesis amid pandemic and personal loss.

Alt text: Graduate feeling crushed after mom’s disbelief about still making it to graduation shared in a heartfelt message.

Comment expressing congratulations and support for a graduate who felt crushed but persisted despite doubts.

Text excerpt on a forum post about a graduate feeling crushed due to lack of parental support and disbelief.

Text post showing a supporter encouraging a graduate who feels crushed after mom's disbelief, offering pride and motivation.

Comment praising a graduate's perseverance through pandemic, grief, and completing a thesis despite obstacles.

Screenshot of a forum comment saying congratulations, related to a graduate feeling crushed after mom’s doubt about success.

Screenshot of a user comment advising how a graduate feels crushed after mom expresses disbelief and lack of pride.

Comment on graduation accomplishment, expressing disappointment over lack of parental support and feeling crushed after mom doubts success.

Comment expressing support and encouragement to a graduate feeling crushed after mom doubted their success.

Screenshot of a forum comment congratulating a graduate who feels crushed after mom doubted their success.

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