5 Signs You Have An Abusive Parent

We all hope that our parents are the ideal role models and treat us with respect, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. Some kids grow up with mothers and fathers that can cause their children harm with the way they behave. There are some distinct signs you had an emotionally abusive parent, and although you can't go back in time and change the way they acted, you can use this information to help not only gain back your confidence and self-esteem, but to learn from their mistakes so you don't treat the other people in your life the same way.

All parents are human, which means they have their flaws, but some have deeper psychological issues that end up affecting how they treat their children. If you have a strained relationship with your parents and think it may be a result of their actions, look out for these 5 signs that you had an emotionally abusive parent, according to experts.

* You Have Unhealthy Relationships With Others

It is extremely difficult to have healthy emotional relationships when the example your parents set seemed to be the opposite. If you were taught to relate to others by being passive-aggressive, manipulative, or to not get too close because you may get hurt, this can all stem from childhood. Relationships with parents are the first relationship you will form, and it can have a ripple effect later in life.

* You Have Low Self-Esteem

Dealing with verbal abuse growing up is not easy. If you were constantly criticized, or told you don't measure up, that is something you may definitely carry with you. But it's important to remember that what you were told when you were younger isn't necessarily the truth, and your self-esteem can be rebuilt as an adult.

* You Are Very Pessimistic

When you were growing up, if all you heard was a negative outlook on things, it can be hard to see the positives. Parents who only showed you the bleak aspects of life were once again leading by example, and it's something that may still impact you as an adult. Long-term exposure to negativity and personal attacks damages the foundation of hope . A negative self-perception is created and solidified over time.

* You Repress Your Emotions

Emotional repression is a coping mechanism you may have developed in childhood to deal with the emotional abuse from your parents if you ignore a feeling, you don't have to feel it, and you can make life more manageable under the extreme circumstances. But this coping mechanism can present difficulties later in life, as it can make it hard to relate to others.

* You Sought Out Attention

If you were neglected as a child, or only received negative attention, it may be natural to search for emotional validation and attention in other ways. Even if you have positive reinforcement in your life now, you may find yourself actively seeking it out because you were deprived of it as a child.