What Adults Who Were Called “Easy” Reveal About Emotional Patterns — Insights From Psychologists (Featuring Dr. Emma Basch)

We’re honored to share that Dr. Emma Basch was recently featured in a Parade article exploring how childhood labels — particularly being called an “easy” kid — can quietly shape emotional patterns well into adulthood.

The article looks at how children who were described as compliant, low-maintenance, or “easygoing” often grow into adults who carry both strengths and challenges rooted in those early dynamics. While being adaptable or emotionally attuned can be beneficial, psychologists note that these traits sometimes come with hidden costs.

Throughout the piece, Dr. Basch offers clinical insight into how early praise for being “easy” can teach children — especially girls — to minimize their needs, prioritize harmony, and internalize stress. Over time, these patterns may show up as people-pleasing, difficulty expressing emotions, perfectionism, or a tendency to avoid conflict.

Highlights from the article include:

• Suppressed Needs: Adults labeled “easy” may struggle to identify and communicate their own needs, having learned early that being agreeable earned approval.

• Conflict Avoidance: People-pleasing and a tendency to avoid interpersonal tension can continue into adulthood, sometimes at the expense of authentic expression.

• Internalized Emotions: Emotional suppression — holding in challenging feelings to maintain harmony — is a pattern many “easy” kids carry forward.

• Perfectionism: What once seemed like “being good” can morph into perfectionism, driven by early reinforcement of compliant behavior.

• Adaptive Strengths: On the positive side, many adults who were “easy” demonstrate strong emotional regulation, resilience, and constructive social connections.

Why it Matters: Understanding the legacy of childhood experiences — even seemingly positive ones like being called “easy” — can help adults reframe lifelong habits, improve communication, and make choices that support emotional well-being.

Read the full article on Parade