Coined by psychologist David Elkind in 1981, " hurried child syndrome " refers to parents' tendencies to burden children with overcrowded schedules and too-high expectations – an effort to encourage them to grow up quicker. Four decades later, the concept still resonates. It's being shared by parents on TikTok , and was the topic of a study published in January that found that most "hurried children" have anxiety, depression and feel unworthy when they fail to fulfill their parents' expectations.
MORE: Grandchildren help combat loneliness and improve mental health among older adults "Children are pushed to grow up too soon, taking on the worries, responsibilities and stresses of adult life," Sanam Hafeez, a New York City-based neuropsychologist, told Parents in August. "This is happening in all areas of their lives, including school, extracurricular activities and sports, and even social lives." So, how do you know if your kid is a "hurried child," and what are some ways to prevent the syndrome? How to identify 'hurried child syndrome' Examples of "hurried child syndrome" include tutoring children beyond age-appropriate levels, instilling a hyper-focus on winning or competition and expecting constant discipline, Jersey Shore University Medical Center psychiatrist Thomas Priolo told Parents.
"Hurried child syndrome" can start early in life, when parents sign toddlers up for a plethora of classes and sports in an effort to give them a head start. But even if those parents hav.