More women come forward to share growing up with 'toxic' mothers

[yuiyoshida]

Naho Kato, second from right, and women who experienced complex relationships with their mothers, talk about their experiences in Nagoya in February. (Chieko Hara)


NAGOYA--Although long considered taboo as the mark of an undutiful child, women have begun sharing their traumatic experiences stemming from growing up with “toxic” mothers to regain their self-worth.

“I was often locked away in a storage room by my angry mother,” said one of the five women who recently gathered together to discuss their childhood scars in Nagoya.

Another said, “I, as a child, was never comforted by my mother.”

“Although my mother used to say it was for my own good, meddling in my affairs was nothing but her attempt to control my life,” still another said.

Ranging in age from 20s to 50s, the participants poured their hearts out, some in tears, at the three-hour gathering, called “Ohanashi-kai” (talking session).

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201403260005

[Gormy Cuss]

1. Interesting.

Thanks for the link.

[get the red out]

2. This has to be a positive thing

People have a right to their feelings, and to address them.

I'm not the most unbiased person on the subject. My Mother was quite toxic, but I know the relief that I have gained through discussing this with my sister and friends who grew up with similar issues. Knowing that you aren't alone and not a bad person for having a negative reaction to bad parenting was a HUGE relief to me.

[phil89]

3. Is this related to the "tiger mom"

nonsense that enjoyed a brief craze a few years ago?

[yuiyoshida]

4. I don't find that

abusive parents a nonsense issue, do you?