There are many different types of emotionally abusive parents and their effects on children can be devastating. Here are seven types of abusive parents and their effects on children.
1. The overbearing, control-oriented parent. This type of parent is often demanding, intrusive, and critical. This type of parent often makes life difficult for their children by dictating what they can and cannot do. This type of parent often makes their children feel like they are not good enough or that they are responsible for all of the family’s problems. This type of parent can also be violent and abusive.
2. The neglectful parent. This type of parent is often absent or neglectful. This type of parent may not provide their children with adequate food or shelter and may also neglect to provide emotional support, which can leave the child feeling abandoned and alone.
3. The verbally abusive parent. This type of parent uses harsh, abusive language to communicate with their children and may call their children names, scream at them, or make them feel scared or insecure. This type of parent can also be physically abusive: hitting their children or pulling their hair.
4. The cyber-bullying parent. This type of parent is often online, harassing or tormenting their children through online platforms. This type of parent may post embarrassing or humiliating pictures of their children online or send cruel texts or emails.
5. The parental alienation syndrome parent. This type of parent is often manipulating their children into alienating themselves from the other parent. This type of parent may convince their children that the other parent is abusive, neglectful, or evil. This type of parent can also restrict the children’s access to the other parent: preventing them from seeing them or speaking to them.
6. The shame-based parenting style. This type of parenting style focuses on constantly putting the child down and shaming them. This type of parent may criticize every action the child takes or call them names. This type of parent may also refuse to let the child participate in family activities or exclude them from social events.
7. The emotionally unavailable parent. This type of parent is often emotionally absent or pushy. This type of parent may ignore their children or give them short, one-sided conversations. This type of parent may also neglect to provide affection or physical touch, which can leave the child feeling lonely and alone.
