I tried to be a good parent by catering to my son's every whim. It backfired and now he has little self-esteem.

Courtesy of Crystal Hoshaw

• I didn't understand how to set boundaries for myself and my son when he was born.
• He'd make excuses why he couldn't complete age-appropriate tasks, and I'd do it for him.
• When he was nearly 8, I was still unwillingly co-sleeping with him. I felt haggard and resentful.

I grew up on gold stars and participation trophies as an unwitting member of the self-esteem generation.