his mother, who had never been able to manage him, sent him to school to get rid of him, lamented his absence till he returned, then writhed and fretted under his presence until again he went.

~ George Macdonald

George Macdonald Bad Mothering Relationships

Her mother’s quiet disapproval and withdrawal was a death in itself, and Franckline’s despair at it was transmitted, she was sure of it, to the child. She transgressed twice, first by making the child, then by giving it her despair, the despair that left it unable to live.

~ Pamela Erens

Pamela Erens Bad Mothering Child Of Rape Childbirth Grief Loss Rape Survivor Shame Stillbirth

Over the years our mother has beaten us with belts, shoes, rulers, extension cords, hair brushes, a wooden spoon, a fly swatter, a toilet brush, wire coat hangers, wooden coat hangers and sometimes one of our own toys. When you get whacked by your own paddleball paddle or you have to watch your sister getting spanked with a badminton racquet that she asked Santa Claus (AKA Grandma) to bring, you don't feel much like playing with those things ever again.

~ Bob Thurber

Bob Thurber Bad Mothering Child Abuse Childhood Paperboy Physical Abuse Trauma