How Childhood & Parenting Shape Adult Beliefs and Behaviors

Have you ever considered that much of what you believe about yourself and the world might not be truly yours? Research suggests that around 50% of our core beliefs are established before birth, with the rest forming during the first seven years of life. By the time we enter childhood, we’re already carrying patterns and conditioning that can influence us for years—until we choose to embark on a self-development journey to challenge and reshape them.

This idea may come as a shock. However, as a therapist working with hypnosis, I’ve seen how clients often access deep subconscious memories, revealing experiences from the womb, their birth, and early childhood. They remember not only their sensations but also their mother’s emotions and their home environment long before conscious thought develops. These early impressions can create deeply rooted beliefs that shape our adult challenges.

1. The Prenatal Experience—Our Connection to Our Mother

a. Early Sensory Impressions From conception, our environment begins to influence us. Babies start sensing their surroundings well before they can hear words, absorbing their mother’s emotions and the energies around her. They can feel the emotional atmosphere—whether it’s one of security or stress—which lays the groundwork for their emotional development and how they perceive the world.

b. Emotional Imprints from the Womb In hypnosis sessions, I often observe clients recalling their own feelings alongside their mother’s emotional state during pregnancy. They relive sensations of joy, anxiety, or fear that deeply imprint their subconscious. For example, a baby sensing maternal anxiety may struggle with feelings of insecurity in adulthood. These imprints shape how we interact with the world, influencing our emotional responses and relationships.

c. Insights from the Freni Method Dr. Graziella Concetta Freni’s work highlights how intrauterine experiences significantly shape behavior and life patterns. Her research indicates that experiences—positive or negative—are stored in our cellular memory, impacting our emotional responses and sense of self-worth throughout life. Understanding these early experiences can lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment, helping us reconnect with our inherent joy. By addressing the root causes of our struggles, we can shift our energy, break free from unconscious patterns, and heal deep-seated issues.

2. Early Childhood—Absorbing Beliefs and Patterns a. The Sponge-Like Nature of Childhood

From birth to age seven, children absorb everything around them—parents' emotions, beliefs, and societal messages—without the capacity to filter or critically assess these inputs. By age seven, many behavioral patterns and emotional responses are already established, creating a mental and emotional blueprint for how we navigate life.

b. The Lasting Impact of Early Conditioning The patterns formed during these formative years can influence us into adulthood, often unconsciously. We may react in ways we don’t fully understand due to these early imprints. For example, hearing "You are fragile" as a child might lead to chronic anxiety or reluctance to face challenges. Similarly, messages like “Life is a struggle” can foster a mindset of hardship, affecting emotional and physical well-being. It’s essential to understand that it’s not just the experiences but the meanings we assign to them that shape us.

c. Rewriting Subconscious Narratives Though these ingrained patterns can be challenging to confront, awareness can lead to change. Many people navigate life guided by subconscious beliefs formed in childhood. By observing how we communicate with ourselves and using therapeutic methods like hypnosis, we can identify and challenge these beliefs. This allows us to heal past wounds, rewrite our narratives, and create a life aligned with our true selves.

3. Conception and Birth—The Experience of ‘Being Wanted’ a. The Moment of Conception

Some clients recall their conception not just as a physical event but as an energetic experience. They sense whether they were conceived in love or uncertainty. Understanding these early impressions can reveal deep-seated beliefs about worthiness and belonging.

b. The Moment of Birth Clients often recount vivid memories of their birth, including the emotional states of their parents and the environment. For instance, being born into a situation where parents had specific expectations can create lasting emotional imprints, influencing feelings of anxiety or unworthiness. Recognizing and integrating these birth memories can lead to profound healing and self-acceptance.

c. Reclaiming Our Purpose Regardless of our origins, it’s crucial to understand that while we come through our parents, we do not come from them. There is something greater that wanted us here—something that has a unique purpose for us to fulfill, one that only we can carry out. By releasing inherited subconscious stories, we can reconnect with the truth that our existence is meaningful.

Conclusion: Rewriting Our Story

It’s remarkable to realize how our early experiences shape who we are. By acknowledging this influence, we can begin to identify and release beliefs and patterns that no longer serve us. The past may have shaped us, but it doesn’t have to define us. Real freedom starts with questioning these inherited beliefs. Healing is not about erasing the past; it’s about transforming our relationship with it. Understanding where our struggles began allows for clarity and acceptance as we move forward. If this resonates with you, let’s connect and explore your unique story. We can dive into the patterns affecting your adult life. Until then, feel free to check out my free wellbeing course here. Recognizing what holds us back is the first step—let’s take it together.