"Perhaps a child who is fussed over gets a feeling of destiny; he thinks he is in the world for something important, and it gives him drive and confidence"

Benjamin Spock’s reflection on the psychological impact of parental attention highlights the relationship between a child’s upbringing and their sense of self-worth. When a child receives significant attention, whether in the form of care, concern, or even mild overprotectiveness, they may internalize a profound sense of specialness. The phrase “fussed over” implies not just meeting basic needs, but an elevation of the child’s uniqueness and importance in the eyes of their caregivers.

Such treatment can plant in the child’s mind an expectation that their existence holds greater significance within the larger world. The feeling of having a “destiny” suggests not only a vague sense of positivity, but a concrete belief that one’s life carries purpose. Rather than seeing themselves as passive or insignificant, the child perceives that they are marked for something substantial, possibly extraordinary.

This early environment can be highly motivational. Growing up with the conviction that one is meant to achieve or contribute in a meaningful way instills a drive to excel and a resilience in the face of setbacks. Tasks and challenges are approached with a quiet confidence, as if obstacles are simply part of a larger, predestined journey. Even when faced with failure or rejection, the child’s foundational belief in their own importance can foster perseverance.

Yet, Spock’s words also invite contemplation of the double-edged nature of such parental influence. While too little attention may leave a child feeling undervalued, an excess could risk entitlement or unrealistic expectations. However, within balance, the resulting “drive and confidence” are crucial ingredients to personal development and achievement. Spock, renowned for revolutionizing child-rearing advice, underscores the formative power of parental affirmation in shaping not only a child’s self-image but their trajectory in life, suggesting that belief in one’s own significance may be one of the most enduring gifts an adult can give a child.