Sure, we grew up physically -- but emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually many of us are still stuck back there in early childhood. We never learned a "normal" way of thinking, feeling or reacting.
Think about it. We were raised by people who never grew up themselves. We had no "normal" example to follow. How were we supposed to learn how healthy families related to each other? We sure didn't have any experience with it!
Then we grew to adulthood ourselves, got married, and raised children who likewise had no clue as to how healthy and functional families were supposed to operate. How were we supposed to know how to be good parents? We'd never seen one in action! The cycle continues.
Wait a minute, Buddy, I just don't buy into all that psycho-babble about that inner-child stuff. After all I'm a highly functional person, highly skilled and a productive member of society. I'm my own person and I'm an adult!
Okay, then why do we spend so much time acting like children?
As long as things are going smoothly, we're fine. But let us experience conflict, controversy, or crises and we respond with less-than-adult-like reactions.
Over the years, those who have studied the "adult child" phenomenon have compiled a list of common characteristics which many people who grew up in dysfunctional homes seem to share. The following characteristics were developed by Dr. Janet G. Woititz.
You may recognize some of them.
Adult Children:
- ...guess at what normal is.
...have difficulty in following a project through from beginning to end.
...lie when it would be just as easy to tell the truth.
...judge themselves without mercy.
...have difficulty having fun.
...take themselves very seriously.
...have difficulty with intimate relationships.
...overreact to changes over which they have no control.
...constantly seek approval and affirmation.
...feel that they are different from other people.
...are either super responsible or super irresponsible.
...are extremely loyal, even in the face of evidence that loyalty is undeserved.
...tend to lock themselves into a course of action without giving serious consideration to alternative behaviors or possible consequences. This impulsivity leads to confusion, self loathing, and loss of control of their environment. As a result, they spend tremendous amounts of time cleaning up the mess.
If you would like to learn more about support group programs for those who grew up in alcoholic homes, check the resources from Al-Anon Family Groups or the Adult Children of Alcoholics organization.
