The Ugly in Me: How Triggers Shape the Versions of Ourselves We’d Rather Not See
There’s a version of me I don’t like. It’s not the one I post online. Not the one who gives good advice or shows up for others. It’s the one that comes out when I’m triggered—by a comment, a tone, or just a familiar silence. And almost always, it’s with family. The people [...]
Why Denying Children Their Individual Identity Hurts Their Mental and Emotional Growth
In many families, there's an unconscious habit of expecting children—especially siblings—to think, act, and develop in similar ways. Parents may assume what works for one child should work for another. They may push a younger sibling to follow in the footsteps of the older one or dismiss a child’s unique interests as “just [...]
The Damage of Playing Favorites: How Unequal Love Shapes Generations
Favoritism in Families: The Hidden Wound That Lasts Generations Favoritism among children isn’t just a minor oversight or an uncomfortable family quirk. It’s a deeply rooted issue that can cause psychological harm, strain relationships, and sow discord across generations. Whether it's a mother consistently praising one child more than the others, or a [...]
Why Do Mothers Get Blamed for Everything That Goes Wrong in a Family?
Why Do Mothers Get Blamed for Everything That Goes Wrong in a Family? When things fall apart in a family—when there’s dysfunction, estrangement, trauma, or even just emotional distance—there’s one figure who often ends up shouldering the blame: the mother. Whether it’s subtle finger-pointing or open accusations, mothers are frequently held responsible for [...]