Not every person is suited for parenthood, and that’s okay. What isn’t acceptable is choosing to raise a child even with the apparent lack of ability and willingness to do better.
Today, we’re putting a spotlight on toxic mothers. You’ll see screenshots showing their blatant disrespect for boundaries and privacy. Some may have even risked their kids’ health and well-being. Be forewarned, as a few of these are disturbingly wrong.
We’ve picked out these posts from this subreddit to highlight some of their behavior. Hopefully, none of you went through similar ordeals as children. If you’re a mom, let these bad parenting examples be your reminder of what to avoid at all costs.
#1 The Emojis Are The Icing On The Cake
Image credits: thedorchestra
#2 Absolutely Accurate
Image credits: wonderfulSugarBear
#3 A Mother’s Love ?
Image credits: BadWolf_RX
Minimizing a child’s feelings is a common toxic mom behavior. Some are guilty of telling their kids not to feel a certain way because it is wrong. According to Florida-based psychotherapist Dr. Tracy Hutchinson, this sends a message that feelings are better off suppressed.
In an article for CNBC, Dr. Hutchinson recommends asking children what they think would make them feel better. She says this trains them to manage their emotions independently at a young age.
#4 Homeopathic Side Effects
Image credits: decapods
#5 You Can Do Everything Right And Still Fail
Image credits: Lucky-Worth
#6 I Don't Have A Problem With Extended Nursing, But Omg Still Using Months?
Image credits: coppersense
It’s one thing to encourage your child to strive for excellence. Demanding perfection is when things can get problematic. Dr. Hutchinson says it could lead to confidence and self-esteem issues as they grow older.
“Build mental strength in your kids by making sure expectations are realistic,” she wrote. She adds that setbacks will only teach kids how to bounce back and hopefully lead them to success in the future.
#7 More Essential Oil S**t
Image credits: i_cum_marshmallows
#8 Baby Boy Can't Date
Image credits: EmotionalPie7
#9 A Water Bottle
Image credits: MandyYaraaa
Growing up with a toxic mom can have a profound effect on a person. According to licensed psychotherapist Christine Scott-Hudson, the inability to trust oneself is one of the few manifestations.
In her interview with Bustle, she says this mainly happens to people who dealt with a gaslighting mother. As a result, they could suffer a lifetime struggle with self-doubt.
#10 Please For The Love Of God Say Sike
Image credits: Divided_Alarmed
#11 Couldn't Have Seen This Coming?
Image credits: CrazieDiamond
#12 I Wonder Why This Isn’t Working
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The inability to maintain healthy relationships or a constant attraction to toxic individuals is another by-product of having a toxic mom. New Jersey-based therapist Vanessa Watson-Hill says it’s because emotionally unavailable mothers fail to model a healthy relationship for their children.
#13 Discrimination!
Image credits: Subject_Beautiful_90
#14 Sex Ed Fail
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#15 So How's Your Morning Going? ....i Thought Mine Was Bad Until I Read Hers, Damn
Image credits: higginsnburke
Whether it’s about picking a major for college or choosing an ice cream flavor, indecisiveness isn’t always innate. Sometimes, a mother’s negative behavior could be a catalyst for developing such a trait.
That’s because moms greatly influence decision-making. According to research, those who’ve used psychological control as a primary parenting tactic may negatively impact their child’s sense of judgment when they reach their adolescent years.
#16 I Asked About Learning Activities For My Toddler
Image credits: bumdadee
#17 So Nice To Read Something Funny Where No Harm Is Done To Children
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#18 Bed Is Actually Going To Be On Fire Now!
Image credits: secure_dot
People who grow up with toxic mothers carry that pain their entire life. This is the case for Randi Latzman, owner of the Surviving Mom blog. She created the site as an outlet for the abuse she endured. In one of her recent posts, she recalled the breaking point in their relationship.
#19 "Monat Makes Me A Millionaire"
Image credits: naterighter
#20 Found: Sister Of The Wicked Witch Of The West
Image credits: ParentTales
#21 She Has Quite A Burden To Bear
Image credits: boinkish
“On that fateful day, she told me she didn’t like me and wanted nothing to do with me. I felt like a knife was plunged into my heart,” Latzman wrote.
The author ultimately decided to break all contact after that argument. According to her, what hurt the most was her daughter’s broken relationship with her grandmother.
#22 *stares In Cps*
Image credits: Worldliness_Antique
#23 Homeschool Group Comforting A Mom Who Never Taught Her 14 Year Old The Months Of The Year Or His Tables
Image credits: kookaburrasnest
#24 Really Sorry Your Baby Is A Baby
Image credits: danytdrogo
Dealing with a toxic mom may feel like coming to a dead end. According to psychotherapist Brittany Boufard in the same Bustle interview, the parent in question may resort to the same cycle of denying your feelings and rejecting the idea of change.
When the worst happens, most experts recommend seeking professional help. A licensed therapist or doctor could mediate the conversation as a third party. As Watson-Hill points out, a professional could also help adults gain a better understanding, especially about developing healthy boundaries.
#25 This Extreme Fear-Mongering Pisses Me Off So Much
Image credits: KyleRichXV
#26 Wtf
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#27 How Can I Be Needlessly Strict And Not Respect My Child's Bodily Autonomy But Make Him Not Hate Me Like I Hate My Mom For Doing The Same Thing?
Image credits: AutumnAkasha
Now, we want to hear from you, dear reader. Do you know someone who grew up with a toxic mother? How has it affected their life? And how are they coping? We’d love to know your thoughts in the comments!
#28 "Your Not A Real Mum Unless You Gave Vaginal Birth To It"
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#29 Poor Baby
Image credits: Time-Koala-4609
#30 From A Mom Group On Instagram. I Guess People Without Children Are Not Allowed To Be Tired
Image credits: Geodudette2014
