Poisonous Words: 16 Things Parents Should Avoid Saying to Their Children
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The bond between parents and children is a profound and impactful connection that shapes an individual’s entire existence. Parents possess the ability to nurture, uplift, and motivate, but they also possess the potential to inflict profound emotional harm. In this introspective inquiry, we delve into a delicate question: What are the most harmful words a parent can utter to their child? Avoid These 16 Statements at All Costs.
Body Shaming
To start, a user commented, “When I was your age, I was 98 pounds.”
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Another user said, “When I was your age, I had a 21 inch waist.”
Emotion Invalidation
One comment was, “You’re being dramatic.”
A second comment said, “Quit being emotional.”
Sibling Comparisons
A reader said, “Constantly comparing you with your older siblings, and extremely different treatment. It makes you feel inferior to them, and like no matter how much you try or do, it will never be enough.”
A second reader added, “Look at Sarah over there. You should be more like her.”
Intelligence Undermining
One user replied, “Do you think you’ll ever amount to anything?”
Another user commented, “After I got accepted to my dream college, my mom told me I’m too stupid to actually go and succeed. I graduated high school with honors. but I thought she was right. I dropped out before I even went. still regret it.”
Mocking Interests
One comment said, “Why do you have to be so weird!! Listening to your weird music and sh**** like that!!”
Guilt-Tripping
One user added, “You haven’t suffered like I have. Your suffering doesn’t even compare to mine.” Told to me by my dad when I was dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts in college.”
Emotional Blackmail
A popular comment was, “So you’re saying I’m a bad parent?”
Another comment was, “You’re the reason behind every problem in this family.”
Constant Criticism
A user added, “You’re worthless.”
A second user said, “You’re an idiot.”
Insulting Choices
A comment was, “I understand, but I don’t respect you,” – My mother said after I came out twice. Some people think that’s not a big deal. It is huge, and it f*****ing hurts so much.”
Blaming the Child
One reader said, “You wrecked my marriage.”
Another reader replied, “Every time I look at your face, I see him’ – telling me I’m the result of a rape. Then years and years later, ‘I regret never getting you aborted. I booked the appointment and everything.”
Belittling Dreams
A user replied, “My mom told me I deserved nothing in life because I forgot to do the dishes before she came home, lol.”
A second user added, “My mom yelled at me and said I won’t achieve anything in my life because I left a wrapper on the table lmao.”
Dismissing Mental Health
One user replied, “It’s all in your head/you are just imagining it.”
Another user said, “My mom laughed at me when I said that I most likely have a mental illness or a disorder. Then she asked me if my grades were okay, and I said yes, then she replied that it’s okay.”
Cultivating Guilt/Shame
A user wrote, “Talk s**** about the other parent, then compare you to them. “You’re just like your father!”
Another user said, “ You all hate me anyway.’’
Instilling Fear/Anxiety
One reader replied, “I kicked your mom out, and I can kick you out as well.”
Withholding Affection
A user added, “I’m tired of pretending to love you.”
Threats/Violence Promotion
Source: Reddit
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As a full-time working mom of three, I know what it’s like to feel like life is out of balance and out of control.
While I don’t have it all figured out, I am committed to sharing helpful tips and tricks with other mommas who are ready to break free from negativity, ditch mom guilt, & finally, live life on their own terms.