38 Screenshots That Put Some Truly Horrendous Parenting On Full Display

Many cultures around the world place immense value on unconditional parental respect. What isn’t commonly addressed is the toxicity that many parents show toward their children. 

As a result, many people are unaware of the mistreatment they are experiencing and the trauma it brings. Fortunately, resources like PsychCentral have identified hostile behaviors to watch for.

PsychCentral listed behaviors such as overreactions and creating a scene, emotional blackmail, unreasonable demands, criticism and comparisons with others, and controlling behavior (“my way or the highway”). 

Toxic parents also typically disregard their children’s feelings and needs, refuse to take responsibility, and disrespect physical and emotional boundaries.

The posts on this list also show the classic tendencies of narcissistic parents. As clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Ann Little points out, they tend to have low frustration tolerance and are usually selfish and insensitive. 

All of these have an adverse effect on the child, including immature coping skills, low self-confidence, and feelings of unworthiness.

“The risk of harm to children of narcissistic parents is real, as narcissists lack many foundational parenting skills and abilities,” Dr. Little wrote. “From a structural perspective, the narcissist does not have the capacity to be a 'good enough' parent.”

The road to recovery from the emotional and psychological trauma from toxic parenting can be a long and winding one. Holistic psychotherapist Jillian Williams shared some tips on how to start the process, which she says will take time. 

One of her most important pieces of advice is to write everything down in a journal.

Blaming oneself is another common result of growing up under emotionally manipulative and neglectful parents. But as Williams points out, the fault doesn’t fall on you. 

“It’s not about you, it’s about the (parent’s) need to control you,” she told the Cleveland Clinic. “Remind yourself - over and over, if necessary - that it isn’t your fault.”