Signs you had an emotionally abusive parent
Feeling like you have to walk on eggshells around your parents may be a sign of emotional abuse, even if nothing serious has ever happened.
Overcritical parenting can lead to a harsh inner-critic, as children internalize the negative feedback and self-doubt instilled by their parents.
Opening up is crucial at any stage of life. Dismissing someone's feelings as "nothing" can be hurtful, especially from a parent to a child.
Passive aggression: hiding true feelings, expressing indirectly. Parent acting cheerful but lacking affection is an example.
Anxiety in a parent can transfer to a child, causing stress and health problems. Children may feel helpless and unsupported when asked for help.
Parental guilt-tripping: "I gave you everything and you treat me like this." Adults spot it, but parents may use it.
Silent treatment is unhealthy in interpersonal conflicts. It can be emotionally abusive and harmful to children. Red flag in romantic relationships.
An emotionally unavailable parent, even if physically present, can cause feelings of disconnection and difficulty with social interaction in adulthood.
Neglect and over-involvement are both harmful. Children need privacy to develop healthy boundaries. Invasion of personal space can be emotional abuse.
Early acceptance of mistreatment may lead to tolerating it in adult relationships. Emotional abuse survivors may self-blame when mistreated.
Emotional abuse survivors may engage in self-destructive behaviors like self-harm, substance abuse, or risky sex as coping mechanisms.