Being forced to smile and say ‘thank you’ for gifts or attention I didn’t actually like. I thought that was normal as a kid now I realize it was a bit manipulative.

Constant negativity and judgement isn't ok. Took me a very long time to get past that.

When my mom had parties, she used to lock me in the air raid shelter in the basement, sometimes close to 24 hours until everyone was gone. I had a bucket to use as a toilet, and afterwards I’d get a Barbie as a reward for being quiet. I once told someone about it because I genuinely thought it was kind of funny. I was pretty confused as why they were shocked.

Parents saying "I brought you into this world and I can take you out" when they were annoyed with you or threatening you when you were in trouble

That's one reoccurring quote from my childhood that I will always remember.

Constant comparisons to siblings or classmates.

When you’re told to go hug your aunt and/or uncle that you’ve just met. Whenever I hear that as an adult I just say “whoa whoa, it’s ok. I’ll take that hug whenever THEY’RE ready to give it to me.”

EDIT: Y’know what? It could be a family member that a kid has known for a while. If the kid doesn’t wanna hug anyone, be cool with it.

Being beat by a belt….and not just a little.

Being told to “respect adults” no matter how they treated you.

Hearing “because I said so” as a full explanation.

juliainfinland:

The other moms (and dads) always made fun of my parents because they wouldn't use "because I said so". "But she's far too young to understand!", every time my parents gave me a (brief, age-appropriate but still sensible*) explanation as to why I was supposed to/not supposed to do something.
Turns out that if you get in the habit of explaining stuff early on, your child will grow up being able to understand (and use) reason and logic and other nifty things. Your child will also grow up to not have any patience whatsoever with the "because I said so" crowd. And you'd be surprised at how much even very young children understand.
*"Sensible": no fluffybunny stuff like "because it makes Jesus cry"