People Share The Most Toxic Things Their Parents Have Told Them In This Horrifying Online Thread

One third of Americans regret their life choices and wish they could do things differently. But big things start small. Many of us do regret the words we uttered, things we said to people, especially to those who are closest to us.

It’s no secret that words have power to heal, but they can also hurt deeply. Especially when you’re at your most vulnerable, still being a kid with the vast world waiting to be explored. Things our parents say shape us in profound ways, some good, some inherently harmful.

So people on r/AskReddit are now sharing the things that should never, ever be said to children. From divorced parents screwing up their kid’s mind with manipulation to telling them they’re “useless,” the answers on the thread are cruel enough while being read, let alone being said to a small kid.

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My drunken father once told me, "You'll never be the man that I am." I remember thinking, "You're damn right I won't be."

p38-lightning Report

Final score:

372points

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Hans 3 years ago

For good!

91points

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"you don't have the right to privacy", "you are a child, you have no rights", "at least I'm putting a roof over your head", "I wish I never had you".

TennisOnWii Report

Final score:

235points

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Miocha 3 years ago

My dad always said that I don't have the right to privacy because I'm his child. He even had the audacity to ask my email and social media password because it's right thing to do according to him.

65points

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'It's all in your head/you are just imagining it.' As it turned out, I wasn't imagining it and now I struggle to differentiate between what's real and what's not because I was led to believe I was imagining things constantly.

Missing_Maestos Report

Final score:

229points

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Natalie Bohrteller 3 years ago

Sounds like gaslighting.

91points

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To find out more about how the things parents tell their kids can affect them and what damage it may cause on a profound level, Bored Panda reached out to Susan Petang from “The Quiet Zone Coaching,” who’s a certified life coach, teaching adults and teens. Susan said that a lot of our emotional dysfunction can originate with childhood experiences and messages.

“One of the most prevalent that I see is low self-esteem, which can result in anxiety, the inability to interact effectively in society, and being used and abused by the psychic vampires and bullies of the world,” she said and added: “Believe it or not, bullying, aggressive, and entitled behavior can also be caused by low self esteem!”

We had you so your brother would have someone to play with.

SwearWords Report

Final score:

171points

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Pepper Sergent 3 years ago

I had a colleague who told me, wile pregnant, that she was having her second child so the first one wouldn't feel lonely. I never saw her in the same way again.

56points

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Trash talking about the other parent, then comparing you to them. 'You’re just like your father!'

nbryan88 Report

Final score:

168points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

In my case, my dad always said to me “you’re just like your mother” as I got older, I was happy that I was more like my wonderful mom!

77points

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"I am not asking you do to it, it is an order!" "Why did I give birth to you?" "I wish you were never born." "You are ruining my life." or "You ruined my life." "How dare you disobey me." "You are a disappointment." Or any insult tbh. Or comparing you to other kids, or to your siblings.

Ok_Ingenuity_1426 Report

Final score:

160points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

What kind of parent would say this to their children? You would have to be a very abusive person to talk to your kids like this!

62points

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When asked about the things one should never say to another person, Susan said that it’s things like “'I hate you!' 'Don't be stupid!' 'Don't you ever learn?' or, 'Why can't you be more like your brother?'”

“Are you dismissive of your child's opinion, no matter how ridiculous it may seem to you? Sometimes it's not words, it's behaviors that create bad feelings. Do you ignore your child? Do you comfort them when they're crying, or do you let them 'cry it out'? Do you and your partner fight in front of the kids (especially when it concerns them)?”

'So you're saying that I'm a bad parent' in response to any form of help-seeking or constructive criticism was the worst for me.

Derpchieftain Report

Final score:

142points

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Hans 3 years ago

"If you try to guilt-trip me, you are!"

56points

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Constantly comparing you with your older siblings and giving you extremely different treatment. It makes you feel inferior to them and like no matter how much you try or do, it will never be enough.

mo95z Report

Final score:

136points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

A decent parent, will always treat all of their children equally.

35points

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'You’re being dramatic' or 'Quit being emotional', 'why are you being difficult', 'you make things so hard on me', 'someone else has it worse so stop crying'.

Sxthu , VividTangerine Report

Final score:

134points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

Oh yes, I remember hearing that.

37points

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The good news is that the right words and behaviors have the power to not only heal, but also build self-esteem, teach compassion, and provide examples of what healthy relationships look like. Susan explained how a parent should do that: “Listen to your children. Use reflective listening to engage them. 'It seems like you're upset. Want to tell me what's happening?' 'I'm hearing that you're really frustrated. Let's see what we can do to solve the problem.' 'I feel like you're very angry that I won't let you go out with your friends. Do you understand why?'"

#10

Making fun of your kid for making a change in their life for the better. I was always anti-social and the complete opposite of athletic. When I began to try and work out to gain some muscle, I got teased by my parents. All that did was discourage me and make me want to quit.

ScrapDraft Report

Final score:

133points

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Raine Soo 3 years ago

Yeah, my mom was complete kill-joy. When I wanted to try something new as a kid, like skateboarding, she said "Why would you want to do something stupid like that? That's for boys. You should do something useful like dust the furniture."

67points

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#11

I gave up everything I liked for you

95? Why not 100?

why can't you be like so and so's child, they do 'one impressive thing'

Average_jaded_guy Report

Final score:

128points

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Artoonist Corine 3 years ago

I remember being in 7th grade - I won a local art contest. I showed my grandmother who was visiting (we never got to see her because she lived so far away) the blue ribbon and the painting. She took one tiny look and instantly said, "Oh you should see the art your cousin "Margaret" does!" and went on and on about "Margaret". That ruined any relationship I could have with that Grandmother

26points

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#12

I have a list.

I wish I [terminated my pregnancy]

I wish I put you up for adoption.

List all the bad things about dad and then immediately tell me I look/act just like him.

What did I do to deserve such a disrespectful child why couldn't I have a good one? (I was not a bad kid at all, always home, cleaning the house, cooking for her, good grades, people pleaser, etc.)

She wonders why I never talked to her about big things happening in my life, why I put 5,000 miles in-between us, and why I haven't returned home for almost 10 years.

amt628 Report

Final score:

126points

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Toni Lilly 3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

18points

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Meanwhile, the tone of your voice is also crucial as Susan said it's the setpoint for the conversation. “Do you want to have a discussion, or a fight? Stay calm. If you or your child is getting upset, take a break. 'I feel like I'm getting angry about this. Can we take a 10 minute break and finish the conversation when we're both calmer?'”

Sometimes, it’s a disciplinary issue that needs addressing, and in those cases, Susan suggests using the XYZ Limit Setting Statement. For example, “'When you do X, I feel Y, and I'd like Z.' For example: 'When you go out with your friends without permission, I get angry and anxious. I'd like you to tell me where you're going from now on.'”

#13

I think probably the most toxic thing a parent can say to a child is any form of, 'Nobody will ever love you as much as I do' or 'I'm the only one who really loves you.' It's the psychological equivalent of a bear trap. Its purpose isn't just to hurt the kid, but to keep them from ever leaving.

S_thyrsoidea Report

Final score:

125points

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Thomas Stead 3 years ago

my mum does this all the time

26points

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#14

Any time your mom talks about how much she weighed when she was your age. 'When I was your age, I weighed 98 pounds.'

sprucecone Report

Final score:

113points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

Yeah! And so...

32points

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#15

In my experience, any time divorced parents say stuff like: 'Don't talk about that to your [other parent],' 'Tell your [other parent] this,' or 'Your [other parent] is trying to manipulate you.' It really screws with the kid's head.

Loa_Ex_Machina Report

Final score:

112points

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Ozacoter 3 years ago

My mums best friend was abused by her husband. At the end she managed to report him and they divorced but he manipulated the sons into believing that their mother was crazy abd they went to live with him. It broke her heart. It took them years to realise how terrible their father was and to go back to their mother.

52points

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At the same time, every parent should make sure to have consequences for bad behavior that fit the crime. Susan said that “you wouldn't ground your child for 2 weeks for not putting his plate in the dishwasher, and you wouldn't take his phone away for a day if he got caught shoplifting.”

#16

When I was 11 I overheard my mother telling someone that at least my looks meant she didn’t have to worry about me being [touched]. That [screwed] me up for years.

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Final score:

103points

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JennyLaRue 3 years ago

That's horrendous

67points

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#17

My mother told me when I was 8, that nobody likes a fat girl. I wasn't even really overweight. That and many other things she said and did made me develop an eating disorder...at the age of 8. More than 30 years later, and a lot more mental abuse, I still struggle with the whole eating thing.

WhiteGirlGrooves Report

Final score:

93points

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Scagsy 3 years ago

It's hard enough dealing with the social media pressures without your mum chipping in and making things worse. I fear for young girls growing up right now with all the unrealistic standards set by 'influencers' and such. It must be so hard.

26points

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#18

after i got accepted to my dream college my mom told me i’m too stupid to actually go and succeed. i graduated high school with honors. but i thought she was right. i dropped out before i even went. still regret it

rad-butt Report

Final score:

92points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

It’s never too late you know. You can still do it now.

81points

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“Another great strategy for communicating with your children is to ask yourself, 'What effect will these words have in the long run? What will I teach my child by saying this?' Is what you're saying going to teach them that it's OK to shout at others? That they're 'bad'? Put yourself in their position. What are they experiencing?”

According to the certified life coach, “children’s reality is much different from what we experienced when we were that age,” and if you're not sure, just ask!

#19

I wish you were the one who [passed away] not your father.

SchrecklichXy Report

Final score:

89points

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Raine Soo 3 years ago

God, that's incredibly hurtful.

29points

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#20

As your mother, I have to love you, but sometimes I really don’t like you.

hissandrunaway Report

Final score:

86points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

Fortunately, I never had to go through this, but I feel bad for anyone who had to.

20points

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#21

"I understand but I don't respect you" - My mother after I came out twice. Some people think that's not a big deal. It is huge and it f***ing hurts so much.

Cookie_Wolfe Report

Final score:

86points

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Thomas Stead 3 years ago

yeah

13points

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We also talked to Kimberly Koljat, a licensed marriage and family therapist who said that “it is true adults often underestimate children’s capability of understanding the world around them, which can even have a negative impact on children and their sense of self.”

Not only can parents deeply hurt them by choosing the wrong words to communicate themselves, but the way they look at their child can cause a sense that children’s beliefs and thoughts are not to be trusted or that they’re invalid. “It later creates difficulty in setting boundaries, making decisions, or maintaining a positive sense of self,” said Kimberly.

#22

"I'm glad that you're adopted it reminds me that you don't have my dna" "you're not a part of this family" and even in early years like 6 and 7 years old "you're not special. You are nothing and never will be something!"

DrShoreRL Report

Final score:

80points

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Nadine Debard 3 years ago

OMG It's just so sad... Fortunately you don't have this DNA, cause it sucks.

76points

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#23

I wish you were never born

AmunPharaoh Report

Final score:

79points

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Susan Green 3 years ago

What kind of parent would ever say that??

30points

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#24

My dad once told me he missed when I was a little kid, because back then I was dependent on him and couldn't say no.

I told that to a psychiatrist and her eyes damn near fell out of her face.

ipakookapi Report

Final score:

77points

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Jessica Aubé 3 years ago

You ever parented a pre teen or teenager ??? Cause a lot of parents have those moments of wanting their babies back .. maybe not the best idea to share those thoughts but parents make mistakes and I am highly suspect of a psychiatrist who would be shocked by these emotions ..

54points

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#25

"You're a useless disappointment" "Do you think you'll ever amount to anything?" "You're pathetic." "You're like a tiny little ant-- I could destroy you so easily." "I don't deserve you. I'm too good of a parent for you." "You're an abuser."

15083randomthoughts Report

Final score:

72points

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Nadine Debard 3 years ago

Abusive parent. How hurtful.

27points

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#26

“We had you so you could donate organs/plasma etc to your sibling” like that film my sisters keeper.

pjwy Report

Final score:

67points

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Raine Soo 3 years ago

Yeah, because nothing says 'I love you' better than telling someone that they are nothing but spare parts.

56points

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#27

I never wanted to have kids with your dad. He forced me to have you.

But_like_whytho Report

Final score:

62points

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Steve Barnett 3 years ago (edited)

Retort: "I never wanted to be born, but you went ahead and created me. Touché"

52points

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#28

my mum told me i deserved nothing in life because i forgot to do the dishes before she came home lol

ilikechurch Report

Final score:

61points

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Proud gold rose 3 years ago

Over dramatic parenttt

37points

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#29

"Look 'x' kid is doing it better than you"

"Look that kid is 'x' year old and they can do it"

I-Am-The-Warlus Report

Final score:

60points

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Raine Soo 3 years ago

Yes, I got these too. I always hated it.

25points

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#30

"You're the reason why your dad and I almost divorced."

3_angels Report

Final score:

59points

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Morna Bibbw 3 years ago

My dad told me I was the reason they got divorced. He was still telling me this last year before he died. I'm 52.

9points

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Note: this post originally had 42 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

What do you think ?

Hannah Edwards 3 years ago

My 10 year old son is going through some anxiety issues at the moment. If my husband tells him to “Toughen up” one more time I think I might have to poke him with a pointy stick.

33points

Viviane 3 years ago

Your son shouldn't have to worry about whether or not his father will still love him. Your husband is a wimp if he can't handle someone else's anxiety.

23points

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Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

A child's toughness is not a reflection of a parent's toughness, so I will sharpen the stick for you. I was on the wrong end of a father like that, and he was.... well, I got out, but it never left *me*, y'know?

11points

Lunar Bicycle 3 years ago

Your husband is being an insensitive jerk, but I recommend for your son’s sake trying a little diplomacy. Perhaps you can convince your husband to switch his messaging to, “I know you can get through because you’re tough, and I’m here for you.”

7points

Chenandoa 3 years ago

I'm prone to anxiety (like my mom), but I didnt know what that was until recently. I am more likely to get mad if I'm anxious. Toughen up? Yeah right...does your husband have any fears like needles? Tell him to tough up for that. Real men dont need to criticize others, and can handle emotions (or at least not criticize them at all)

3points

Mimic 3 years ago

Unprofessional/unsolicited advice: I hope you two can have a conversation about what it means to be a man in today's society and how words like "toughen up" make anyone bury whatever feelings they are experiencing. You could also try mimicking, when/if your husband whines you could mirror his behavior so maybe he could see how those words aren't productive. I hope your son can work through his anxiety and bravo to you for recognizing it and trying to help.

1point

Carol Emory 3 years ago

Your husband needs to quit being a tool. You can't make anxiety go away by telling someone to "toughen up." I would not be surprised if your husband is the root cause of your son's anxiety. Best thing you can do for your son is get him into therapy and away from your husband.

0points

Kari Panda 3 years ago

I studied to become a vet, but failed. That was 14 years ago. Became a trainee in a library, got a job there and have been working there for 13 years now. To this day, my mother tells all her neighbours, friends etc. that I‘m a vet because she‘s so ashamed of me.

24points

Respect! My husband is a reference librarian. I told him that archeologists found ancient tablets neatly lined up: "The world's first cataloguers!"

15points

Materyst 3 years ago

I'm sorry to hear that. Being a librarian is nothing to be ashamed of. Librarians educate, and that is a great thing!

Your mom is an idiot. Librarians are awesome.

4points

TheLazyPoki 3 years ago

Honestly, I want to become a librarian. I love books and quiet places, so I think that might be the right job for me :)

Thank you everyone for your support. I sincerely appreciate it. I assume my mother doesn’t really have a problem with me being a librarian but with me being 'too stupid' to succeed at my studies. I do love my job very much though.

2points

Gin Marie 3 years ago

You're a librarian?? I'm retired military and if people valued people like you, I wouldn't have had that job. Librarians make veterinarians POSSIBLE, for pete's sake.

ALM, BLM, Y'know. 3 years ago

I LOVE READING! D'you have any book recommendations (I quite like dystopian😊) bc I'm out of books. as @Viviane said, RESPECT!!

Nadia Montera 3 years ago

When I was 17, we were holidaying in Spain with my cousin and my parents. One evening after dinner I was laughing with my cousin in the living room when my dad came from his bedroom and slapped me because my laught was annoying him. My mother did not say anything (as she did not say anything during my childhood when he was beating me when I was not obedient enough or tried to voice disagreement...) I don't speak to them anymore nor want any relationship with them

Freya the Wanderer 3 years ago

Good for you. Piddle on them both.

5points

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People Share The Most Toxic Things Their Parents Have Told Them In This Horrifying Online Thread

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