Anyone who grew up as a “good kid” likely heard constant praise from the adults around them: “a delight to have in class,” “an old soul,” “so mature for their age.” Quiet, responsible, disciplined, and easygoing, these children are what many parents strive to raise—and when they succeed, both parent and child are rewarded with approval.
But because these “good kids” appear so self-sufficient, few people think to check in on them. While they may seem to raise themselves, many are quietly struggling with perfectionism, overachieving, people-pleasing, and hyper-vigilance.
In GOOD KIDS: Why You Suffered in Silence and How to Break the Cycle (Sheldon Press/Hachette UK; on sale 1/27/26), trauma therapist and parenting expert Maggie Nick explores how these children often grow into anxious, self-doubting adults. Through an accessible exploration of relational shame trauma, Nick reveals why “good kids” learn to bottle their emotions, seek constant approval, and fear being a burden—patterns that can persist well into adulthood.
A recovering “good kid” herself, Nick understands firsthand how this pressure builds over time—and how it can be unlearned. Drawing on research and years of clinical experience counseling countless recovering “good kids,” she offers practical tools for parents and adult “good kids” alike to identify harmful patterns, break generational cycles of toxic parenting, and cultivate self-compassion, emotional safety, and authentic connection.


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