Listen.
It’s not okay to have your child be scared of you. That isn’t respect. That’s control.
It’s not okay to have your child obey you at all times in order for you to love them. That isn’t high standards. That’s manipulation.
It’s not okay to force your child become what you wanted to become. That isn’t wanting the best for them. That’s living vicariously through them.
It’s not okay to take away your child’s basic needs as a punishment. That isn’t teaching them. That’s hindering them.
It’s not okay to dictate your child’s sexuality or gender. That isn’t normalizing them. That’s repressing them.
It’s not okay to berate your child’s appearance or intelligence for being what you think is sub-par. That isn’t toughening them. That’s bullying them.
It’s not okay to take out your stress on your child. That isn’t parenting. That is abusing.
It’s completely okay to distance yourself from your parents. That’s not unloving. That, sometimes, is self care.
