BellaOnline Forums Family Child Abuse Adult children of abusive families

freemenow,
I actually went through the same thing with my kids. I still find myself occassionally there now, when my children are very sarcastic or sassy. It can trigger those painful memories and feelings. I think, for me, it can also be difficult because I was never allowed to verbalize how I felt as a child. Even as a teenager, I was never allowed to "be" a teenager. So, when my own children do what is normal for teenagers, sometimes I find myself unsure initially of how to respond. But, I do try to remember that they are kids and the stages they are at now is also normal. This helps me in my responses to them. Please be gentle with yourself. The healing process is lengthy and not accomplished overnight. Take baby steps and in time, you will look back and think, "Wow! I've come a long way!" I know, because I've gone through that.