8 Fairy Tale Movies With Toxic Parents That Might Make Any Child Seek Therapy

Nothing is more difficult than being a parent. It's one of the greatest blessings, but it's also one of the most demanding obligations. One can only experience a specific kind of hurt from a toxic parent—someone who is supposed to be your guardian.

It is akin to being internally destroyed. We probably don't talk enough about the wounds and scars left behind by toxic parents.

Even though none of us are flawless, including our parents, there comes a point where being imperfect turns destructive, depriving children of the affection, warmth, and nurturing they deserve in favor of something harmful. When children are fed a diet of criticism, condemnation, abuse, and hatred, it's only a matter of time until they internalize those toxic messages and administer the same harsh treatment to themselves with full force.

Parenthood is a common theme in fairy tales. Sometimes the parents in our beloved fairy tales and Disney films are more interesting than the kids.

Nevertheless, some advice is still available. We've selected a few parents from fairy tales and Disney films and examined their actions to determine which parents one ought to avoid.

Keep scrolling to see the list of fairy tale toxic parents that we've gathered for you.

1. Cinderella

Cinderella's mother never shows her love. Her stepmother constantly finds something to criticize, no matter how hard she tries.

Her stepmother's actions also contribute to her stepsisters developing narcissistic traits. Many people believe that the narrative would have a different ending if the stepmother had simply appreciated Cinderella.

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2. The Little Mermaid

Ariel dreamed of being able to walk on land, but her father did nothing except mock the notion. Many parents actually treat their children in such a way.

Their actions may diminish their children's sense of self-worth. So, if you're Ariel's father, you ought to sit down and discuss any threats she might encounter.

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3. Pinocchio

Keep in mind that the old carpenter who was working on the talking log in the original fairy tale experiences fear. He instantly offers his friend the piece of wood.

Therefore, in real life, the responsibility of being a parent carries so much weight and is so terrifying that it is easier to either give up entirely or place the blame on someone else. But remember that there are no such things as perfect parents, so try not to panic if something goes wrong.

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4. Hansel and Gretel

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5. King Thrushbeard

Princesses are frequently given in marriage to bolster the king's authority. Thankfully, everything is generally resolved by a miracle in fairy tales.

Like in real life, many parents choose to disregard their children's opinions, which has unfavorable effects. Children are able to protect their interests and boundaries, while as adults, they suffer greatly as a result.

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6. The Gingerbread Man

The Gingerbread Man leaves his house to travel, but his parents plead with him to return. However, it's unlikely that they act this way solely to protect him.

His parents baked him for themselves, and he left without their consent. Sometimes parents don't chase after their children.

In this situation, The Gingerbread Man's parents should have open discussions about how much they rely on him and how much help they need as aging parents.

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7. The Swineherd

Any king would want his daughter to marry a prince or a wealthy person. In the tale, the king expels his daughter from the home after she kisses a swineherd who isn't acting honorably or honestly.

In reality, these strong, dominant parents behave like tyrants whom no one can challenge, especially when the subject is a helpless child. Therefore, parents occasionally need to learn forgiveness.

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8. Little Red Riding Hood

Many people are curious as to how a mother could send her little daughter into the forest alone. In reality, a lot of parents assign their children obligations regardless of their age.

This may lead to risky circumstances and psychological problems. Some parents might want to reevaluate how many responsibilities they assign to their children, who are still minors.

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Parents have grown to be moms, dads, and stepparents, embodying all the qualities that parents should have, such as love and protection. Of course, every parent makes mistakes, and there isn't a single guideline that explains exactly what to do in every circumstance.

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