Verbal Abuse Is Child Abuse

Parents, Put Yourselves In Time Out When You Need It

Yesterday I witnessed a mom with the grandma and two grandkids in a violent yelling match. The grandma was screaming and swearing at her granddaughter, who must have been 7 or 8, for who knows what while the mom cowarded nearby, probably used to the abuse.

It was heartbreaking. And it brought back memories. My mom was a yeller and cusser. She’d shout things at me like “Go die!” and “You’re the worst f-ing child in the world.” She also told me I ruined her life and she’d never wanted children. Luckily I lived with my grandparents who were kind and saved me (sometimes) from my mom’s outrages. But it deeply damaged my self-esteem and my self-worth. I was that little girl, wide-eyed and terrified. I didn’t hear the words but I watched the rage inside my mom and it communicated hate. I never thought she’s just upset because I’ve been bad. I thought “My own mom hates me and I never should have been born.”

I developed social problems at school, despite being super intelligent. I felt unworthy of love. I was “bad”. I became depressed. I rebelled. Eventually, I was sent to shelters, juvenile delinquent centers, and foster care before finally leaving for Africa with my dad. Not a great childhood. I felt a hole in my heart every time I saw close mother-daughter…