Warning from psychologists : If you sacrifice yourself for your children, they will stop respecting you

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Jan , 22. 12. 2025

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Raising children is among the most important and at the same time the most demanding tasks that parents face. Naturally, every parent tries to provide their children with everything they need for a happy and successful life. Psychologists, however, warn against a common mistake many parents make: sacrificing themselves at the expense of their children. This approach can lead to children paradoxically ceasing to respect their parents, and thus the entire upbringing process brings negative consequences.

Why sacrificing can have the opposite effect

When parents stop focusing on their own needs and interests and devote all their energy only to the welfare of their children, it can lead to an unhealthy model of behavior. Children thereby adopt the view that it is okay to neglect their own needs for the benefit of others, which can cause them problems in adult life. It is important for children to perceive their parents as strong, self-confident individuals who can find a balance between love for their children and self-care.

Loss of respect and problematic behavior

Parents who sacrifice themselves too much risk that their children will not have sufficient respect for authority. If a child sees that their parents constantly neglect their needs, they will begin to take these sacrifices for granted. This can lead to the child valuing their parents less and becoming more demanding, dependent, or selfish.

The key to balanced parenting

Psychologists recommend that parents set boundaries and find a balance between caring for their children and their own needs. Children should see that parents have their own interests, goals, and time for themselves. This approach teaches children to value not only their parents but also themselves and to respect others.

Practical tips for parents:

  1. Set boundaries – Carve out time for yourself and do not allow your children to take up all of your space.
  2. Show your emotions – Don’t be afraid to express your feelings and needs so that children understand how important it is to talk about their feelings.
  3. Involve children in household chores – Teach them that everyone must contribute to the functioning of the family so they understand the concept of cooperation and respect.
  4. Ask for help – If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to turn to family, friends, or a professional.
  5. Invest in yourself – Continue with your hobbies and pastimes so that children see that it is important to have your own goals.

Return to authoritative parenting

Child psychiatrist David Eberhard warns about the risks of modern liberal parenting, which often excessively prioritizes the needs of children at the expense of parents. In this way, children often become overly self-centered and unable to handle life independently. Eberhard therefore recommends a return to authoritative parenting, where parents remain leading figures, set clear rules and boundaries, and guide children toward responsibility.

Conclusion

Sacrificing oneself for children is indeed a natural parental instinct, but it is important to remember that children need strong parents who take care of themselves. Balanced parenting, which combines love and support with one’s own interests, will help children grow into healthy, self-confident, and responsible individuals.

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
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