Famous people’s kids aren’t the only ones hiding behind their parents’ shadows. The effects last well into adulthood, and the experience is common.

Ryan expected his father’s disapproval when he decided to pursue a teaching degree. The 25-year-old special education administrator from Maryland in the United States aspired to improve the lives of kids. His father, a successful doctor, advised him to pursue a career in medicine. Ryan’s father wanted his kids to make the most of the chances he had worked hard to provide for them in the US. Ryan had long believed that he would follow in his father’s footsteps. But he recognized medicine wasn’t a suitable fit when he began studying physics in college. It was difficult to tell his father the news. He claimed his father was really displeased. When people consider what it means to live in a parent’s shadow, they frequently think of the renowned people who are their parents’ kids. For instance, some renowned parents’ offspring have complained that it was completely, agonizingly dreadful to grow up with them.

Children who grow up in their parents’ shadows may experience a range of problems as adults, according to Alex Leff, a psychologist and relationship expert in New York City who deals with many children of the famous or socially prominent. She’s noticed that a lot of her own clients use perfectionism, anxiety, and high achievement as a way to deal with a constant sense of discontent in their lives.