By Jocelyn Black Hodes

Whether we realize it or not, how we were raised has a tremendous impact on how we make decisions as adults. Sometimes the results are positive, certainly. But other times the results are detrimental to our well-being, especially when it comes to our financial health. This doesn’t mean that we can just blame mom or dad (or both) for our money mistakes and leave it at that. But once we understand the root of our bad habits we can take ownership of them and make a conscious effort to change them.

Here are eight common parenting behaviors that can negatively influence your money habits and what you can do to overcome them. Let the therapy session begin.

1. Your Parents Were Very Frugal

The behavior: Whether they needed to keep a tight budget, were trying to teach you a lesson or were choosing to put themselves first financially, they seemed to deny you of everything you wanted as a kid.

The influence: You overspend to compensate. Binge spending often occurs in response to feeling deprived as a child. Haven’t we all heard the story about the strict parents whose kid rebelled and went hog-wild? Perhaps you are acting out with your money choices because of your parents’ frugality.

The solution: Talk to your parents about the reasons for their choices. There may be more to their decision than you understood when you were young. Regardless, know that your real revenge for childhood deprivation is financial prosperity. Channel that inner rebel as best you can to save instead of spend. If your will isn’t strong enough to stop overspending, force yourself to by setting up automatic savings plans whenever possible.

And don’t let the cycle continue: If you have kids, make sure you include them in the reasoning for being careful with money so that they can learn the benefits of saving and not feel resentful.

2. Your Parents Spoiled You

The behavior: Perhaps your parents were deprived as children themselves, and in response, they chose to overspend on you. You grew up living a life of abundance and not wanting for anything.

The influence: You feel entitled to have a luxurious lifestyle. Kids who are spoiled can often grow up to expect that they can — and should — still have whatever they want. The problem is that you might not have the income to support your ability to live large, which can lead to racking up unnecessary debt.

The solution: Shift your sense of entitlement from having a lot of “stuff” now to having financial freedom later. Challenge yourself to see what it’s like to live modestly and then put any savings towards more important goals like buying a home, a comfortable retirement or starting a family. Set up automatic retirement contributions to force yourself to make better money decisions for your future.

3. Your Parents Were Extremely Charitable

The behavior: Perhaps they grew up poor or experienced some kind of trauma firsthand. In response, they chose to invest their time and money in causes that they were passionate about.

The influence: Your heart is in the right place, and so were your parents’. But you may give more money away than you can really afford to out of guilt or obligation. Whether you feel obligated to because of your parents’ experience or want to match their generosity, you can’t seem to say “no” to most charitable appeals. Charity is a wonderful and noble concept, but it is easy to let your emotions get the best of you, which can result in saying “yes” too often and donating more than you can actually afford.