Growing up, many of us believe our parents loved us, even if they didn’t always show it in the right way. Parenting is tough, and sometimes our folks probably didn’t think through their methods that carefully.
As adults, we often ask ourselves: were those words from my mom really necessary? Am I overreacting by feeling hurt? To clear up the confusion, Grazia published a list from Mykidemoi of common toxic phrases moms say.
“I’ll leave you here”
One common phrase is “Stop crying.” Instead of soothing, it invalidates the child’s feelings. This kind of comment doesn’t help kids manage their emotions healthily.
Another classic? The thinly veiled threat, like “If you don’t put on your shoes, I’ll just leave you here.” This taps into a child’s deep-seated fears of abandonment. It’s emotionally violent and can prevent children from feeling secure as they grow up.
If you heard “Hurry up!” or “Quick, quick, quick!” a lot, your mom wasn’t doing you any favors either. Experts suggest that constant rushing is stressful for kids. Instead, parents should offer practical alternatives that don’t induce anxiety.
“You’re so naughty”
The absolute worst are the labels, like “You’re clumsy,” “You’re airheaded,” or “You’re mean.” These words are harmful because they humiliate and limit a child’s self-concept. Feeling confined by these labels can have lingering effects well into adulthood.
Lastly, if your mom often compared you to others—hoping you’d measure up—you were on the receiving end of more toxicity. Phrases like “Look at your sister, she cleaned her room!” or “When I was your age, I was good at History” are harmful. They make children obsessed with others’ opinions, creating a lifelong struggle to break free.
If any of these phrases sound familiar, you’re not crazy for feeling hurt. Words from toxic moms leave lasting scars. Recognizing these phrases helps us understand their impact, opening the door to better emotional health. Remember, it’s important to break the cycle and nurture a kinder way of communicating with future generations.
**Les mères toxiques prononcent souvent cette dizaine de phrases**
This article first appeared on closermag.fr – Author: Camille Bonvalet
