Picture Story: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Abuse in any form is damaging and has life long effects. Verbal, mental, emotional and physical mistreatment are all forms of abuse. What we as mothers can do is to uplift, speak positively about ourselves and others, praise our children, control our anger, and be the person we want to be, not the person we’ve learned the patterns from. When the words, “How many times have I asked you…” come to our mind and the anger rises up, exercise self control! We need to talk to our children how we want to be spoken to and model positive patterns of dealing with frustration.

Just recently I was speaking with my family doctor. While we talked about some personal things, he said, “You are a big girl, you can make your own decisions.” Yes, nearly 30 is old enough to make my own decisions! I am beginning the process of mothering with intention, fully “cutting the apron strings” and putting the negative influences of my childhood behind me, so I can quit making excuses for others and focus on my own family: me, my husband and our children.

I am the link in our family chain that will change the course of my children and future generations. I can move forward and mother with a greater intention to love, uplift, and help my children reach their potential, through mothering with intention.

QUESTION: Are there negative parenting patterns in your family history you need to overcome?

CHALLENGE: Identify a negative behavior you learned growing up and begin to change it.  We all have something! Seek professional help, if necessary.