The Toxic Things Parents Say to Children

There is no single effort more radical in its potential for saving the world than a transformation of the way we raise our children. ~Marianne Williamson

Photo credit Pixabay

It is nearly impossible to escape childhood without sustaining some kind of hurt. But there are statements parents make that cross the line into emotional abuse. Those scars can be carried for many years and affect emotional, behavioral and intellectual development.

The way you are parented creates your personality and your ability to develop emotional maturity and self-esteem. In the best case, you are parented in a loving, supportive, encouraging environment.

When that isn’t the case, children can become withdrawn and anxious. Words are enough to cause serious damage. The frustrations of parenting may cause a person to lash out at their child. Maybe it was a just bad day. Maybe the pressures of a failing marriage, worries about money or even a genuine concern for the behavior of the child can cause a parent to use detrimental language.

So what could you possibly say that would cause such damage?

“You would be pretty if you just lost some weight.”