Breaking Free: Dealing with Toxic Parents & Reclaiming Your Self-Worth

A toxic parent is one who makes you feel worthless. Their behavior can leave you feeling

guilty for wanting independence—to be yourself, manage your own finances, or even

express your own opinions. They expect your life to revolve around them.

Toxic parents often criticize your appearance, job, friends, and focus on what you do

wrong. Reaching an agreement is nearly impossible, as they rarely accept their mistakes

and often pretend that nothing is wrong. Though they may seem unconditionally supportive, in reality, they keep tabs on how they can ”charge you” for their so-called support later. Toxic parents are demanding, making you feel as though you’re not allowed to make mistakes. Emotionally, they remain distant and never form a meaningful bond with you.

They prevent personal growth, confidence, and self-worth, fostering dependence and need

instead of independence. These behaviors can take many forms and often leave a long-lasting impact your self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.

Managing toxic parents can be difficult, but here are some strategies to help you

Cope:

1. Recognize Toxic Behavior: Understand that their behavior is unhealthy and not

your fault. Recognizing patterns of manipulation, control, or emotional abuse helps

you distance yourself emotionally from their actions.

2. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish firm limits regarding acceptable behavior.

Whether that means limiting calls, avoiding specific topics, or creating physical

space, boundaries are essential.

3. Don’t Try to Change Them: Toxic individuals rarely acknowledge their faults or

take responsibility for their actions. Instead of focusing on changing them, focus on

controlling your responses and maintaining boundaries.

4. Manage Expectations: Keep in mind their typical behaviors and adjust your

expectations when interacting with them. Don’t take their actions personally.

Therapy can be the first step toward recognizing the emotional nourishment you missed in

childhood. It’s important to start treating yourself differently from how they treated you and

to become your own source of care and support.