he Rise of the "Love Script" in Parenting
What is the "Love Script"?
- Parents feel pressure to constantly affirm their love, but instead of showing it, they rely on words as an automatic response.
- Example: Parents today may say "I love you" multiple times a day, but how often do they show love in ways that children truly feel it?
Why Parents Are Overusing It:
- Emotional Disconnect: Parents are busier than ever, distracted by work, social media, and stress. Saying ‘I love you’ becomes a shortcut for emotional connection.
- Guilt Factor: Parents feel guilty for not spending enough time with their kids, so they compensate by verbalizing love without reinforcing it with actions.
- Cultural Shift: Social media has made us more performative. Parents see others posting about love, so they mimic these behaviors, even if they don’t feel connected.