Oftentimes, toxic parenting is not easily recognizable and acceptable, especially in India. The reason being that it is considered to be the conventional way of raising a child. It is a self-perpetuating cycle that is challenging to recognize, accept and cope up with, but it is certainly unbreakable. Control, Repudiation, Manipulation, Gaslighting are just some of the aspects of toxic parenting. There are various other aspects that are quite hard to recognize because of their conventional nature.
It is important to remember that the aforementioned patterns of toxic parenting do not influence all parents. There are parents who wish to change, who understand where they go wrong, and are ready to put in efforts to become better parents. Here are some ways in which one can avoid being a toxic parent:
At the same time, it must not be forgotten that children who grow up in such toxic households seek the light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some ways in which one can deal with toxic parenting:
1. Know parent’s limitations and work your way around them.
2. Be mindful of what you share with them. Boundaries are extremely important.
3. Avoid trying to please them. You do you!
4. Always have an exit strategy.
It is important to remember that every single one of us deserves to be loved and that you have the strength to overcome and undo anything that is obscuring your happiness :)