In The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon’s behavior was often self-centered, but Young Sheldon gives more context to why he acted that way. The show highlights how Mary’s inconsistent parenting contributed to his lack of consideration for others. While the ending of Young Sheldon was emotional, it also left some long-time fans feeling disappointed. In The Big Bang Theory’s finale, Sheldon finally acknowledged that his success was due to the support of his friends and family. However, in Young Sheldon’s ending, he nearly skipped his son’s hockey game just to finish his memoirs.
For viewers who followed Sheldon’s growth in The Big Bang Theory, this moment might have felt like a step backward. Sheldon’s relationship with Amy had its ups and downs, sometimes even being toxic. So, it wouldn’t be too shocking if he returned to his self-centered ways after The Big Bang Theory ended. However, Sheldon’s selfish nature didn’t come out of nowhere—it was deeply rooted in his upbringing. Throughout Young Sheldon, Mary often shielded him from consequences, excused his actions, and gave him special treatment. Looking back, one of her best parenting moments is ironic because it contrasts so sharply with her usual behavior.
Mary’s Overprotectiveness Encouraged Sheldon’s Bad Behavior
Missy’s Rebellion and Georgie’s Resentment Came from This
Mary’s favoritism toward Sheldon was obvious in Young Sheldon, even more so than in The Big Bang Theory. Since he was highly intelligent and strong-willed, Mary often gave in to his demands instead of standing her ground. This was understandable, given that she was juggling her responsibilities as a mother, homemaker, and church worker. However, her actions made Missy and Georgie feel neglected and unimportant.
Sheldon had many privileges his siblings never got. He attended college at a young age, had access to advanced technology, and skipped traditional schooling paths that Georgie and Missy had to follow. Even in The Big Bang Theory, Georgie’s resentment toward Sheldon stemmed from the pressure he faced after their father’s death. Similarly, Missy’s rebellious phase in Young Sheldon Season 6 was fueled by her feeling ignored by her parents.
Mary Stopped Coddling Sheldon in Young Sheldon Season 4
Sheldon Became Afraid of Car Rides After Meemaw’s Accident
Despite Mary’s history of overprotectiveness, there was one standout moment where she did the opposite. In Young Sheldon Season 4, Episode 13, “The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education,” Mary actively discouraged coddling Sheldon.
After a minor car accident with Meemaw, Sheldon developed a fear of traveling by car. His college even offered to install a second phone line in his home so he could attend lectures remotely. However, Mary warned that constantly giving in to his fears would only make things worse. Instead of enabling his avoidance, she encouraged him to face his fear and find a solution.
Sheldon initially resisted, but Mary’s insistence forced him to work through his anxiety. This approach helped him in the long run, as he eventually overcame his fear. If Mary had taken this approach more often, Sheldon might have been better equipped to handle life’s challenges. In The Big Bang Theory, he frequently got into unnecessary arguments with Amy, his friends, and his colleagues. Perhaps if he wasn’t so used to getting his way, he would have had fewer conflicts. Additionally, Georgie and Missy might not have felt as sidelined by their mother’s favoritism.
Why Mary Continued to Coddle Sheldon Even When He Was Grown
Mary’s Best Young Sheldon Moment Showed She Could Be a Supportive Parent
While Mary’s tough-love approach in Season 4 was a great moment, it was rare. Most of the time, she continued to indulge Sheldon, which contributed to his arrogance, Missy’s rebellious streak, and Georgie’s frustration. Even when Sheldon was an adult in The Big Bang Theory, Mary still treated him like a child and rarely pushed him to take responsibility for his actions.
One example of how Mary’s firm parenting had long-term benefits was in “The Geezer Bus and a New Model for Education.” By telling Sheldon he couldn’t avoid car rides forever, she encouraged him to develop a strategy that helped him manage his fear. He later used that same method in The Big Bang Theory when he created a periodic table game.
Unfortunately, Mary’s approach changed after George Sr.’s death. She became more isolated and fearful of losing Sheldon, which made her even more reluctant to be strict with him. This shift explains why Mary in The Big Bang Theory was more tolerant of Sheldon’s difficult behavior compared to her younger self in Young Sheldon.
