Family estrangement is shameful. You have to stick with your family no matter what. Blood is thicker than water. Those are the typical things people say (or think) when they hear about cutting ties with a close relative. But estrangement from a family member is surprisingly common, and it’s becoming less of a taboo discussion […]
Difficult Parents
An archive of articles about difficult, toxic, controlling, manipulative, selfish, narcissistic, and abusive parents.
How to Survive the Holidays With Your Toxic Family
Holidays should be a time of joy and celebration. But when you have toxic family members, festivities aren’t all that jolly. It may be a time of stress, tension, and conflict. We all grew up with images of happy families gathering around a beautiful table. Champagne glasses are clinking, the fireplace flickers with warmth, and […]
21 Gut-Wrenching Lies You Learned From Your Narcissistic Parent
If you have a narcissistic parent, you probably grew up with your parent’s lies and delusions. You were systematically gaslighted, devalued, and dismissed until you lost any sense of what’s true and what’s not. It’s time to set the record straight. Here are the most common lies narcissistic parents tell their children, and what the […]
7 Signs of a Narcissistic Parent With a Martyr Complex
Does your narcissistic parent act like the martyr of the house? Then you know never to contradict them, or you’ll be crushed under a ton of guilt. Dealing with a narcissistic parent is hard enough. But try dealing with one that has a bulletproof status of a selfless giver who sacrifices everything for others! It […]
How to Forgive Your Parents for Abuse (When They’re Not Sorry)
If you have a history of abuse from one or both of your parents, you might have wondered at some point: should I forgive them? It’s hard to live your life with those emotional scars. You’ve probably struggled with feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem, depression, resentment, anger, and maybe even rage. You’ve indulged in self-medication. […]
6 Types of Parents Who Don’t Love Their Children
We all assume parental love is a given, but that’s a myth. Parents who don’t love their children are more common than we think. If you grew up with one of those parents, you went through unimaginable pain. Every child has a vital need for a genuine, loving connection with the parents (especially the mother). […]