Why Bubble-Wrapped Kids Grow Up Feeling As Overwhelmed As Abused Kids

It seems like a lot of young people today feel helpless and overwhelmed. They’re anxious and stressed and have little confidence in their ability to solve their own problems. In fact, they feel like victims in their lives.

- Marcia Sirota

Two types of childhood experiences leave young people feeling this way.

The experience of childhood abuse and trauma that leaves the young person with a sense of “learned helplessness;” and the experience of being so bubble-wrapped and overly protected that the young person fails to develop a strong sense of autonomy, accountability, and confidence.

The experience of trauma leaves lasting scars. The young person’s feelings of helplessness and being overwhelmed can linger for decades.