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For many people, a relationship with their mother is their very first one. And, although 63% of young adults say their relationship with their parents and especially their mom is excellent or very good, not everyone is so lucky. Some have to deal with a mother's toxicity daily.

Here we have collected the wildest examples of bad parenting done by mothers. Some of these are humorous, others downright cruel and heartbreaking. Yet they have one thing in common: most of these mothers will probably go down in history as the worst parents in the world.

To know more about the difficult topic of toxic mothers, Bored Panda sought the expertise of Ellen I. Carni, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City. She told us more about the types of toxic relationship between mothers and their adult children, and gave some recommendations on how to heal from having a difficult mother. Read her expert insights below!

#1

My Mother Dearest, Whom My Sister And I Just Let Back Into Our Lives, Talking To My Sister About Her Daughter (My Niece). Behold The Kind Of Person She Is

Text conversation highlighting toxic behavior from a mother in communication with her child.

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only appropriate action. Nan-not eff'ed up big time this round with the vile name-calling >:-(

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"A toxic mother usually refers to a mother who consistently harms their child's emotional, mental or physical welfare through their words, actions and behaviors," clinical psychologist Ellen I. Carni, Ph.D., who specializes in helping people heal from toxic mother relationships. 

The term 'toxic' gets thrown around pretty easily these days. Dr. Carni, too, warns against using it lightly. "'Toxic' is a strong term. When I use it, I refer to 'toxic' as a spectrum of harmful behavior, rather than the worst possible behavior because, in most cases of the challenging mothering I see, 'toxic' is a matter of degree. Many so called 'toxic mothers' can also have good qualities, which is why it can be so hard for adult children to separate."

#3

Should've Stayed At Home

Tweet about an overprotective mother linking lockdown to divine intervention, causing the child to feel blamed for the pandemic.

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Penguin Panda Pop
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finally! I'm tired of hearing about secret government plots and labs in Wuhan. We've all know it was this ladies' fault all along. Glad she owned up.

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However, Dr. Carni says that adults use the term 'toxic mother' to describe mothers "who continues to undermine their child's decisions and, in general, emotional safety (in rare cases physical safety) even after the child is grown up and capable of making their own choices."

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"These mothers can be manipulative, controlling, critical, gaslighting, boundary-violating, emotionally absent or narcissistic and otherwise toxic, maintaining a dynamic where the adult child feels pressured to please her and never truly feels 'good enough," Dr. Carni explains.

#4

My Friend Hasn't Spoken To His Mother In Months. She Finds Out He's Living With His Girlfriend. He Also Shares Some Exciting News

Text exchange illustrating toxic mother-child relationship dynamics over living arrangements.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Checked OP on Reddit. He says his friend was 24 at the time of these texts and had graduated college and was completely self-sufficient XD

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#5

My Mother-In-Law Gave Us All Covid. Tested Positive And Never Told Us

Text message exchange showing toxic communication between a child and their mother about COVID test results.

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#6

I'm 25, I Have Schizophrenia, And Have Zero Support From My Mom

Text conversation showing a toxic mother dismissing child's need for medication.

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Years ago, Dr. Carni developed a quiz titled "Is Your Mother Toxic?" In it, she identified eight types of unhealthy relationship between a mother and her child.

1. Holds You Hostage: this mother will only support you if you make choices she approves of. She may withdraw love if you make your own choices or, at worst, cuts you off.

2. Besties: this mother wants to be your best friend. She wants to know every detail of your life. You feel smothered.

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3. Boss and Subordinate – this mother tries to control and dominate your life. She expects you to follow her rules and expectations. She's demanding, rigid and closed-minded. She makes you feel you have to be perfect to win her approval.

4. Rivals: this mother sees you as a rival, a threat. She compares herself to you to see who is smarter, thinner, prettier or more successful. She is often insecure about herself around you.

#7

Extremely Racist Mother Tells Her 5 Year Old Daughter That Her Asian Stepmother Eats Dogs

Stepmom group's post discussing issues with toxic mothers and addressing children's racist remarks.

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Mike F
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, those types are in charge of the country for the next few years.

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#8

I Think We Should Make Leashes Mandatory For Everyone Under 15!

Text exchange about a child on a leash, reflecting on a humorous yet toxic parenting comment at Costco.

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Pernille
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was funny. Being on a leash allegedly saved my life as a toddler, and I'm not against it at all.

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#9

A Friend Of Mine Who’s 27 Years Old

Two tweets describing a toxic mother's invasive behavior regarding her child's eating habits.

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Boredest Panda
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine going to your GROWN DAUGHTER’s house and being a disgrace to raccoons everywhere.

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Dr. Carni continues with the four remaining types of toxic relationships: 

5. Role Reversal: this mother expects you to mother her and be there to support her. It is one-sided. She is concerned about her own needs, wanting nurturing from you.

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6. Enmeshed: this relationship is co-dependent. She’ll give you love if you give her love. You cannot separate from each other.

7. Good Mom/Bad Mom: the relationship is erratic. You never know whether the good Mom or bad Mom will show up. She runs hot and cold. Sometimes she puts up a good image in public but is cold and rejecting when you are alone.

8. Abandoning Mom: this mother is emotionally and/or physically unavailable. She withdraws love. She may give love you your siblings.

#11

My Mom Thought She Found Weed In My Sisters Car

Text message about trust issues with mother over a misunderstanding, possibly involving a substance that resembles broccoli.

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Those who have a toxic relationship with their mother shouldn't judge themselves. "Your experience is valid. Your feelings are valid," Dr. Carni says. "Your mother's bad behavior is not a reflection of your self-worth. Treat yourself with compassion. Avoid comparing yourself to others on social media. Take care of yourself. Eat well. Exercise. Partake in activities that are enjoyable."

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#13

My Mom Just Randomly Texted Me…

Text conversation highlighting toxic mother-child interaction over beliefs.

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Sue Denham
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wishing *you* a simply fabulous day and hoping your deity of choice cures your narrow-mindedness.

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#14

Got Shot In An Armed Robbery? Sounds Like A You Problem. In My Day We Just Died

Facebook post about a toxic mother’s harsh response to their child’s financial struggles after a robbery injury.

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#15

Mom Just Asked Me For 600$ When I Work A Minimum Wage Job Then Tells Me To Stop Spending ???

Text exchange highlighting toxic mother behavior, asking for money while advising child to stop spending.

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell birth giver to ask for a discount or cancel it altogether. She should take their own advice and stop spending -_-

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Dr. Carni says that it's important to express your emotions in a constructive way. "Talk to a trusted friend. Journal. Write a letter and burn it. Even sports, exercise or art can release feelings. By all means, seek out therapy. Examine yourself. What might you be contributing to the toxic dynamic?" 

#16

My Mother Blames Me For My Sister's Husband Trying To Have S*x With Me When I Was 15

Text message example of toxic mother behavior, discussing blame and forgiveness.

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michael Chock
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Call the cops. Tell your sister. Emancipated yourself. Find a chosen family.

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#17

This B**ch I Used To Go To Church With Made Her Kid Be A Cactus For Trunk Or Treat

Child in a cactus costume with "Free Hugs" sign, surrounded by others in Halloween costumes.

I blocked the kids' faces, but believe me when I say that this poor girl looked absolutely miserable.

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Boredest Panda
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do people hear themselves? “Hahaha, I love watching my kid do stuff she hates! Oh how I love making her feel uncomfortable!” Like, what?

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#18

My Mum Is Abusing Our Brand New Security System

Text conversation showing a mother's toxic demands and setting consequences for unfinished chores.

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Dr. Ellen also reminds us that relationships can change, they are not static. "Your relationship with your mother is an ongoing evolution from your birth to her [passing]. Where you are with her today may not be where you are with her a year from now or five or 10. If you've done enough work on yourself you might be able to forgive her for what she wasn't able to give you."

#19

I’m A Horror Artist, It’s A Sculpture

Text conversation revealing a toxic mother warning about demons and daughter's response.

I don’t know what else to say. Sorry if it bothers anyone, I’ve been a horror special effects artist for 15 years and she has no problem when I make werewolves, vampires and other things that eat people.

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CanadianDimes
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm scared of everything I don't understand, so I'm scared of everything."

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#20

My Mom's Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now

Toxic mother responds negatively to child's relationship, threatens to stop paying for schooling in text exchange.

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#21

This Was By Far The Worst Incident. I Was In 2nd Grade, 7-8 Years Old And Just Went Through Some Of The Worst Trauma Of My Life And My Mom Was More Worried About Going To Vegas Then My Health

Text about a teacher's concern for a child's well-being and a dismissive response from the mother, highlighting toxic behavior.

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Through therapy, other healing methods, and with time, a person might be able to see the big picture. There's often a reason why mothers are the way they are and parent the way they do. "What was her mother like to her and her mother’s mother to your grandmother? How many generations back does the toxicity go? Staying with the big picture will keep you from carrying resentful feelings in your head all the time," Dr. Carni notes. "It doesn't make bad behavior right but it gives you a broader perspective on human behavior." 

#22

I Don't Understand How Scientology Came Into Play

A frustrated parent's social media post about a school lesson, expressing disbelief and anger about the topic taught.

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#23

Traditional Asian Parents And Mental Health Don’t Usually Align

Text exchange showing a toxic relationship between a mother and child about therapy and money issues.

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DC
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... if therapy means meeting them, none of it may be the best therapy around.......

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#24

I Synced My Calendar With My Mum And Forgot I Have My Birth Control Implant Replacement Date Marked 3 Years From Now. She Saw It And Texted Me This While I Was At Work. I’m 20

Phone text exchange illustrating toxic mother behavior in a conversation about birth control and personal boundaries.

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Ace
Community Member
3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem started with (or earlier than) "I synced my calendar with my mom".

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The licensed psychologist tells Bored Panda that people can seek mother figures elsewhere. Aunts, grandmothers, mentors, even music teachers or coaches can fill a bit of the void that a toxic mother has left. "As an adult, you can make choices that you couldn't as a child. Make them wisely," Dr. Carni adds.

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#25

Random Loving Little Messages From Mother Dearest

Text message displaying a mother's toxic behavior about shaving legs before Florida trip.

For context, my mother is weird about my facial and body hair. Once I was literally in the hospital for an accident that SHE caused and as they were cutting my clothes off me, she was more worried about my leg hair than the fact I, you know, just got beat in the head til I was unrecognizable and was not sure I was gonna make it out alive. Good times!

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Mike F
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of questions here and the least important one is why mom is so invested in OP's leg hair.

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#26

My Dog Ran Out While I Was At A Friend's House. This Is What Happened

Text conversation revealing toxic mother-child relationship over lost dog.

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#27

My Mother, After She Kicked Me Out When She Found Letters My Girlfriend Wrote For Me (We're Both Girls)

Text conversation showing a toxic mother disowning her child and threatening legal action.

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Penguin Panda Pop
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the fork are the cups gonna do? Spoon me? I've got enough on my plate already.

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"Naturally, I am a big believer in psychotherapy. I attribute my success in resolving things with my own toxic mother to my therapy. I was one of the lucky ones," Dr. Carni tells Bored Panda. "She changed once I could forgive her."

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"But, in any event, I worked through all my feelings – guilt, shame, rage, loneliness, sadness – and was able to accept her for who she was. I grieved what was and what couldn't be and built an identity apart from her. You can do all of this, too," she encourages.

#28

Apparently I’m Not Using The Right Essential Oils

Text of a mother sharing her struggles with a defiant teenage son and asking for advice on essential oils.

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michael Chock
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plant extracts and oils can treat or even cure VERY SPECIFIC things. They cannot cure bad parenting or being a teenager.

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#29

My Mom’s Bats**t Insane Racist Tangent

Text message exchange with a toxic mother sharing controversial political opinions and generational differences.

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Penguin Panda Pop
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asians are immortal? My wife never told me that she's gonna live forever. We'll have to have a long talk about this when I get home.

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#30

Not Mine. Found It On Facebook

Text message exchange highlighting toxic mother behavior over Netflix issues.

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Dr. Carni mentions that a good therapist will validate a person's experience and be their ally. "You can find a safe, compassionate space from which to explore your hurt feelings without fear of judgment. You can let go of the past that set you up for pain."

"You can form healthy boundaries. You can prioritize your emotional needs in a positive and loving way. You can tame the inner critical voices of your mother. You can claim your own authentic and creative self without guilt or shame."

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#31

I’m Going To An Iron Maiden Concert. I’m Also Almost 30

Text conversation about a mother criticizing Iron Maiden, reflecting toxic parenting dynamics.

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Gavin Johnson
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And Nicko McBrain (the drummer) is a born again Christian, he’s serious about his faith. Their imagery is very provocative but if you actually care enough to listen to their lyrics they aren’t promoting satanism, but hey, don’t let that get in the way of your pearl clutching.

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#32

Let's Hope He Didn't Get His PC With His Own Savings

A broken computer setup and personal items scattered, suggesting a toxic family environment.

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CA Hyde
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel bad for them, being around angry alcoholics is horrible, hope they got away and are happy.

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#34

Welp, I’ve Officially Blocked Her On Everything…

Screenshot of social media post depicting a toxic mother expressing disdain for her adult daughter.

And she’s spiraling. This is honestly…so unhinged.

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Earonn -
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading the text alone I'd know that the mother is the nasty party here.

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#35

I Literally Did All My Chores When I Was Asked And I Was Still Grounded, I Actually Can’t Anymore

Text exchange showing a toxic conversation between mother and child about chores and staying home.

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#36

She Has A Son Who’s So Well-Behaved, She’s Going To Punish Him For A Pack Of Ramen… That He Cooked Himself

Text from a mother about her son sneaking ramen, expressing frustration over toxic family dynamics.

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#37

Kicked Out At 17 And My Mom Withheld Financial Aid Documents So I Would Have To Drop Out Without Her

Text conversation highlighting toxic mother behavior involving therapy demands.

After my Mom physically attacked me and I actually stood up for myself, the police got involved and my Mom kicked me out. Luckily, a friend’s family took me in before I went to college. She refused to give me a doc for the military financial aid and continued to provide ultimatums up until her death the following year.

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Far be it from me to wish ill upon the dead, but I hope she left this mortal coil alone and cold. That's the least she deserves for her actions to OP.

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#38

My Mom Didn’t Want Me Go See A Doctor

Text exchange depicting a toxic mother-child relationship over an MRI appointment.

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please make that the final update and final time you ever contact your sh*t excuse of a birth giver, OP.

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#39

My Friend Just Sent Me This. Her Stepmom Took Her Stepsister To Get Food Without Her, And Then When She Went To Go Get Food By Herself She Grounded Her

Text conversation highlighting toxic behavior between a mother and child regarding dinner plans.

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Bookworm
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She only says 8. I'd assume that means 8am and spend the night with a friend. Then tell stepmom if she's not going to act like a parent by not making sure I had food she didn't get a say in anything else.

#40

When You Call Them Out For Wanting Sympathy For Avoiding Their Texts

Text message exchange showcasing toxic mother-child communication.

For context, the text was the only thing my Mother did for my birthday since I’m very LC due to how she treats me. I let the message sit UNTIL my cousin contacted me saying she was telling people that she was sad that I never responded to her. You want drama? I’ll give you drama.

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Falicity Humdinger
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least you got that! It was my birthday Saturday just gone and not even a text from my mother! I grew up with a very toxic, alcohol mother, so you could say the relationship is fragile but we have been in touch for 6 years now and very amicable.

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#41

I, Bi And Closeted To My Family, Went To New York With My Boyfriend And My Mother Had Some Concerns

Text message exchange illustrating a toxic mother's reaction to a social media tag.

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#42

I Guess Some People Never Learn That Their Kids Are Separate People Who Deserve Autonomy Smh

Broken phone held in car, showcasing toxic mother behavior with shattered screen.

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Lyone Fein
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just don't give your child a phone if you don't want them to use it like a phone.

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#43

Tough Love, For Sale

IKEA Malm bed frame disassembled, showing slats and measurements on display for sale.

The saga continues. Our son refuses to put clothes away so we sold his dresser. He won't make his bed? Getting rid of the bed. Please don't message me about how cruel I am this is called tough love, Love & Logic style. Actually, it turns out the joke will probably be on me since it doesn't appear he's learning a lesson... Anyway, this nowhere-near-new bedframe is no longer available in this color so get it while it's hot! Website pics for reference, bedroom pics for color.

B1narypwny Report

#44

They Are In Their Fifties

Text conversation illustrating toxic behavior from a mother, causing stress for her children.

I have a one and a half year old son. I’m a 30+ year old stay at home mom.
They called me shortly after this demanding I do something. I told them there were out of their minds if they want me to bring a violent drunk around my son. They’ve been doing this for years. I had to drop out of college to take care of my sisters because of them. I have went NC before and wanted to give them a chance to be around their grandson, but no I’m done.

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

About time the siblings took some responsibility for their birth giver. Please cut them off entirely and permanently, OP.

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#45

Breaking A 7-Year-Old's Heart On Christmas

Toxic mother seeks empty PS4 box to deceive child on Christmas with coal instead of a gift, causing outrage.

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#46

I’m 29 And Have My Own House

Text message exchange showing a toxic conversation between a mother and her adult child about a PS5 restriction.

We were talking about me coming to grab some stuff from her house. I don’t even know. Yes, she’s paid for a lot of it as it’s partly a Christmas present, but this is another level.

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Skogsrået
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't accept gifts nore money from a toxic person like this, they will always hold it against you whenever they feel like it.

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#47

Imagine Posting This And Being Proud Of The Anger That You Just Took Out On This Kid's Form Of Entertainment

Hammer and damaged book on a table, depicting a moment of toxic mother behavior.

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#48

Mom That Kicked Me Out And Filed Police Report On Me Found My Email Address

Toxic mother text message expressing mixed emotions and a request to come home.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP on Reddit says "What's so f*****g funny is I'm a trans man who's had a hysterectomy and I'm about to get bottom surgery here soon so the fact she's projecting me being pregnant (because I'm now the age she got pregnant with me) is pitiful."

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#50

My Mom Thinks Im On Drugs Because I Left The Toilet Seat Up And Got A C In One Class

Toilet in a bathroom setting with a text message overlay highlighting toxic mother behavior.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In other comments on Reddit, OP stated they were 13 at the time they posted this. Not sure if that's true.

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#51

My Mom Is Withholding My Unemployment And Took The Grant The Cares Act Gave Out To The Students (I’m Staying With A Friend Rn)

Text conversation showing a toxic mother's messages about controlling money from unemployment benefits.

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#52

I Apparently Didn’t Respond To Enough Texts

Text messages from a toxic mother, expressing frustration and threatening to disown her child.

For reference, I’m 25, had just moved out, and this came after I had few responses due to being very sick

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#53

My Mom Blew Up On Me Because I Couldn’t Pick Up My Father From Work, While She Was At Home Not Doing Anything

Text conversation highlighting toxic parenting behavior, with a child expressing frustration over parental demands.

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#54

Mother Impersonated Me To Bofa To Remove $1500 From My Account Of My Awarded Scholarship Money As Punishment For Her Ex Husband Not Paying For Her Vacation

Bank account screen showing $21 balance, highlighting financial stress from toxic mothers.

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#55

My Mom Started The Day Asking For Help After Going No Contact For A Month

Toxic mother threatens restraining order if her children discuss her on social media.

And ended it having to email us after being blocked on everything else, threatening a restraining order when we checks notes screenshotted and posted her own words to us on social media. I guess it was just that easy to get her to leave us alone

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SheamusFanFrom1987
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the toxin flushed itself out of the system without prompting. If only all of it were that way.

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#56

My Mother’s Reaction To Me Getting A Job

Text exchange showing a toxic conversation with a mother.

We are struggling. My fiancé lost his job. I genuinely thought she’d be happy for me. I was wrong. It was an opportunity to make me feel worse.

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DC
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No job? "Your a parasitical bidge!" Job? "Your abandamning your children!". One would consider a halftime job might please her, but that's just both offenses... In such peoples' book, you do wrong because you ... you do wrong because ... because ... be ... cause ... uh .......... yeah, just as much - they know, too.

#57

I Came Out As Bi To Her 6 Years Ago. I Thought We Were Finally About To Have A Productive Conversation. Silly Me

Text messages between a child and a toxic mother discussing hurtful comments about sexuality.

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Earonn -
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys, if someone gaslights you, cut them out of your life ASAP. Don't discuss (they won't believe you anyway). Poor OP.

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#58

How Dare People Spend Their Own Money On Things?

Facebook post screenshot about streaming services during the pandemic, with a person holding a tablet showing Netflix.

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Mike F
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heaven forbid they should maybe, read books, or play family board games?

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#59

My Fiance's Mom When We First Started Dating

Text exchange showing a mother making a racially insensitive comment, illustrating toxic mother behavior.

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#60

I Don’t Think I’m Going Home After School Today

Toxic text message exchange showcasing a mother's abusive language toward her child.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From OP on Reddit: Context: I stupidly let my mother “borrow” money from me again and she said that she’d pay me back today and that even help buy something I needed for my Halloween costume this year. I stupidly agreed to it, today comes, she doesn’t buy the 2 items I specifically needed for this costume and instead buys 3 items that are clearly for her. I got upset, vented online and I think some dumbass shared it with this waste of breath air, and now I’m here. I’m broke because of her and I don’t have my wallet and card on me right now, but at least on the streets I could die a less painful death than one I could face at home.

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#61

My Mother Thought She Was The Spider I Was Talking About And Then Assumed I Was My Father

Text conversation with toxic mother, discussing phone disconnection and security, highlighting difficult parenting dynamics.

So basically I caught a spider a while ago, and she assumed that she has control over my phone which she isn’t even paying for and that she didn’t even buy

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StarCrossedFriday
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m so confused, and yet from the tone it’s clear something is very wrong with this person.

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#62

When Your Mom (62) Gets Mad Because You Won't Go Buy Her Cokes At 9pm And You Tell Her To Drink Water

Text conversation highlighting toxic mother-child relationship through argumentative messages.

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#63

Kicked Out Because I Got My 3rd Tattoo

Text messages reflecting a toxic mother-child relationship, discussing tough love and independence.

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Earonn -
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I was out on my own at 20" - yes, and OP's grandparents sighed with relief...Why do so many (US American I suppose) parents see it as something good to be kicked out or to kick out their child? "Oh, so yeah, she was homeless, got raped and killed, but at least we gave her tough love"?

#64

For Context: I Didn't Want To Go Over To My Dad's House Because I Had Overtime At Work. Then My Stepmom Had To 'Interfere'

Toxic mother repeatedly texting "Where are you?" to child, demonstrating overbearing behavior.

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooo my sister does this! If you don't answer her texts within 30 seconds, she copy-pastes the text and sends it over and over and over again (or sends "???????" or "HELLO??????" over and over.) Then again, my sister is a clone of my toxic narcissist of a mother, so I suppose it's not surprising she's as bad as the bad moms on this list XD

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#65

I Moved To Get Away From My Jehovah's Witness Mom, She Found My New Address. I Made An Instagram That Didn’t Have My Name, And She Found Me. I Can’t Get Away

Text message exchange showcasing toxic mother-child relationship dynamics.

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#66

Just Sent My Mom An Article Of A Celebrity Wearing A Coat I Liked

Text exchange showing a toxic mother's harsh critique of a coat.

It’s always hurts when I get these types of reactions to things. Sue me for trying to have a conversation…

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Skogsrået
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP should stop insisting, they will never get the approval or response they want. Move on in life without them.

#67

Mom Has Always Been Weirdly Obsessed With My S*x Life

Text exchange showcasing toxic mother-child communication over e-credit usage.

This was just one of many times she said this. She also used to ask me who I was sleeping with and when I was doing it before I was married, and assumed I was sleeping with multiple partners when I was dating my husband. Not that it even matters, but I’ve been with two people ever, one of them being my husband, the other being a long term boyfriend that I dated before I met my spouse. Anyways, I finally just stopped responding to her or trying to deny anything because it didn’t matter what I said, and eventually she quit asking

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Earonn -
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3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ask her way. In very clear words. During Thanksgiving or Christmas in front of the whole family. I got to stop my aunt and mother making jokes about "what Scottish men have under a kilt" after I moved to Scotland with that method. Their faces were priceless.

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#68

This Is The Third Time I’ve Had To Say This

Text conversation showing a child's response to a toxic mother's unannounced visit at their workplace.

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#69

Jesus Take The Wheel

Social media post depicting toxic mother behavior about smoking during pregnancy.

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#70

My Birthday Was Yesterday. So Her “Birth Day” Was Yesterday Too

Social media post from a mother celebrating her daughter's success and independence after 28 years.

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Jan Moore
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I started sending my mom flowers on my birthday with a Happy Mother's Day card. I'm so grateful that neither of my parents were anything like the ones on this site. I did some stupid things growing up but they still supported me. The only thing my dad did was threaten to shoot any boy I brought around. I introduced them to my boyfriend when they were traveling and came by my Uni. My dad brought out his pistol to discuss guns with him and when I was dating my husband, dad made a point to be cleaning his gun once when he came to pick me up. I am so sorry these OP's had parents like this, there should be some kind of test that future parents have to take before having children and I really can't fathom the "Golden Child" parents.

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