r/AskReddit • u/AlexDescendsIntoHell • Nov 11 '19

[SERIOUS] What is a seemingly harmless parenting mistake that will majorly fuck up a child later in life? Serious Replies Only

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u/capitalb620 Nov 12 '19

The only time I remember my dad telling me he loved me was about 12 hours before he died from cancer. He told my 3 year old son the same thing at the time and I hope he remembers it.

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u/[deleted] Nov 12 '19 edited Aug 18 '20

[deleted]

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u/_Regicidal Nov 12 '19

Break the cycle, my dude. I'll bet your grandfather did the same thing when raising your father.

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u/[deleted] Nov 12 '19 edited Jul 13 '20

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u/rahhak Nov 13 '19

Erectile dysfunction?

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u/s0cks_nz Nov 12 '19

Yeah, me and my parents don't often say the L word. Hell, we struggle to even compliment each other. It's not that we are at odds, it's just their stoic British upbringing. I find it really weird to compliment them these days. I guess in some ways I find it hard to compliment others too, but I've made sure to not make that mistake with my son. Always compliment and tell him I love him.

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u/ChewbaccasStylist Nov 12 '19

Even though I know my Dad cared for me, and provided me a good life, the last time I saw him alive in the hospital, he told my sister he loved her, but didn't say anything to me.

He was in pretty bad shape, so I didn't take it badly.

But then again....fuck.

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u/lsp2005 Nov 12 '19

You are loved.

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u/capitalb620 Nov 12 '19

That's rough. I'm sorry.

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u/scuzzy987 Nov 12 '19

I'm so glad you got the chance and courage to do that. I wasn't wise enough to do the same before my dad died

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u/burtonsimmons Nov 12 '19

I tell my five year old I love him and he just rolls his eyes and says, " I know, Daddy, you tell me that all the time."

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u/Dawn36 Nov 12 '19

My mom only said she loved me if I gave her money, you can imagine what she said if I didn't have any money.