50 Times Family Members Took Entitlement To The Extreme

Family life is a cornerstone in a child’s development and emotional health. While many picture a family environment filled with love and care, this is not always true.

For some children, home life is far from ideal, and instead of building supportive relationships, they face harm from the very people who should protect them. Research shows that 63.9% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), such as physical, emotional, or mental abuse, neglect, or living in a dysfunctional household.

These toxic family dynamics can leave deep emotional scars. In such homes, children may feel unsafe, unloved, or ignored. The consequences of these experiences can last long into adulthood, affecting mental health and relationships.

However, the rise of social media has given people a platform to speak out and share their stories. Many individuals, particularly adolescents and adult children, find comfort in knowing others have faced similar struggles.

Connecting with others who share these painful experiences can provide a sense of validation and healing. Through online communities, people can relate to those who understand what it’s like to grow up in a toxic family environment.

Social media allows them to share their journeys, offering reassurance that they are not alone in their experiences. This sense of solidarity is robust, helping individuals feel seen and heard, which can be the first step toward healing from the wounds caused by their upbringing. This time, we’ve put together a collection of moments when toxic parents crossed the line.

Not all families are happy...

Pexels

"I Cooked A Thanksgiving Meal From Scratch For My Family And No One Ate It"

luzzzonix

"My Mom Made Me Throw Away This Good-Looking Cake Because It Was Given To Us By A Muslim Neighbor"

SciencesnObjects40

Understanding Family Dynamics

Dr. William Doherty, a family therapist, emphasizes that unhealthy family dynamics often stem from unrecognized patterns of behavior. Many individuals may grow up in environments where entitlement manifests as a misguided sense of loyalty or obligation, leading to emotional harm.

Research indicates that these patterns can cause significant issues in adult relationships. By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, individuals can break the cycle and foster healthier connections. Dr. Doherty suggests seeking family therapy to facilitate open communication and healing.

"My Mom Just Asked Me For $600 When I Work A Minimum-Wage Job, Then Tells Me To Stop Spending"

CHIEFXx

"I'm 25, I Have Schizophrenia, And Have Zero Support From My Mom"

skyhawk214

"Showing Up Late To A Planned Dinner"

Richersonrealty

A recent study by Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, highlights how emotional responses to family dynamics can shape our adult lives. Those who experience entitlement in family relationships often develop a range of emotional responses, including anger, guilt, and anxiety.

Dr. David notes that acknowledging these feelings is crucial for personal growth. She recommends practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, which can help individuals navigate their emotions and foster healthier interactions with family members.

"My Mother Asked Me If I Would Cut My Hair To Save Her Life"

Kindredgos

"Last Year I Checked My Bank Account And Saw That My Mom Stole My Money, Almost $2,000"

OatmealRaisin-Cookie

"My Mother’s Response To Going No Contact"

LlamaFromLima

The Role of Boundaries

Establishing boundaries is vital in managing toxic family relationships. Dr. Brené Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability, emphasizes that boundaries are essential for healthy connections. Without them, entitlement can flourish, leading to resentment and emotional distress.

Brown recommends clear communication about personal limits and needs. Setting boundaries not only protects the individual but also encourages family members to respect one another’s autonomy. This process may not be easy, but it’s crucial for emotional well-being and sustainable relationships.

"I'm Allergic To Almonds. This Is All My Parents Will Buy. They Eat All The Cereal I Buy And Leave Me With This, Saying I Can "Pick Out The Almonds"

CapnRedbeard647

"My Mom Took A Bite Of My Birthday Cake That I Bought For Myself"

RegularTemporary2707

"My Mom Was 15 When She Had Me And Was Also Diagnosed With Manic Depressive Disorder/Bipolar"

spadiddle

Dr. Madeline Levine, a renowned child psychologist, points out that many individuals carry the burden of entitlement from family roles into adulthood. This often results in a skewed sense of self-worth based on familial expectations.

To counter this, Levine advises adults to engage in self-reflection and seek professional guidance. Identifying personal values independent of family expectations can significantly enhance emotional health and foster resilience in personal relationships.

"My Room Was Clean When I Left For My Dad's House For Spring Break. This Is What I Came Home To After My Mom "Looked For My Wallet"

Oonoroi

"My Mom's Response When I Came Out To Her. Haven’t Talked To Them For Two Weeks Now"

Cherrychemicals

"My Mother Destroyed My Screen Because My Dogs Woke Her Up"

Radioaktivman999

Healing Through Awareness

Awareness of familial entitlement can be a key step toward healing. Dr. Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, underscores the importance of recognizing how family dynamics influence personal beliefs and behaviors.

By understanding these patterns, individuals can start to untangle their emotional responses. Haidt encourages individuals to engage in open dialogues with family members about their experiences, which can lead to greater empathy and understanding, ultimately fostering healthier relationships.

"Growing Up, My Parents Refused To Get Me Dolls Or Accessories. Now I’m In My 20s, And They Have Decided To Buy Doll Stuff Each Year And Laugh In My Face. This Was This Year's "Gift"

xlostinimaginationx

"After My Parent's Divorce, My Mother Ripped My Father Out Of My Childhood Photos. He Passed Away Over Two Years Ago, And We Don’t Have Many Photos Together"

Designer_Dentist644

"I’m A "Turkey" Because I Don’t Want To Download An App So My Mom Could Track Me"

B1narypwny

Family therapist Dr. Ian Kerner suggests that building empathy is crucial when dealing with entitled family members. He highlights that understanding the motivations behind their entitlement can be enlightening.

By practicing active listening and engaging in compassionate conversations, family members can create a more supportive environment that reduces entitlement-driven conflicts. Kerner's approach emphasizes that empathy can act as a bridge to healing relationships.

"My Friend (Who Is Adopted) Posted One Thing On Instagram. It Also Appears That Her Mom Is Stalking Her"

Magic_Orcat

"My Mom Is Withholding My Unemployment And Took The Cares Act Grant Gave Out To The Students"

Chronicsadd

"My 16-Year-Old Sister Spent Two Hours Cooking Christmas Dinner And My Mom Won't Eat Because She's Mad That My Sister Didn't Like Her Present"

definitelyciscyrus

Dealing with Entitlement

Financial educator Suze Orman notes that entitlement doesn’t just affect relationships; it can also manifest in financial behaviors. Often, family members may feel entitled to finances due to perceived obligations or expectations.

Orman emphasizes the importance of establishing financial boundaries. She recommends creating clear guidelines on financial support, which can alleviate stress and resentment that arises from these expectations. Open discussions about finances can lead to healthier dynamics.

"My Mom Using Her Beliefs To Kick Me Out For Being Trans"

AnxiousLittleBeaver

"My Mom Threw My Monitor, But It Didn’t Work, So She Resorted To The Knife"

Walnutclout

"My Mom Got Kicked Out Of Her Boyfriend's House And Decided To Break Into Mine And Start Sleeping On My Couch. I Didn't Know Until I Saw Her Complaining About My Cat On Facebook"

Lv250_BlueSnail

Dr. Alfie Kohn, an education and parenting expert, believes that entitlement in families often stems from an imbalance of power. He argues that when children are raised in environments where their needs are prioritized over their parents', it can create entitlement later in life.

To counter this, Kohn recommends fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration within families. Engaging children in shared decision-making processes can help build empathy and reduce entitlement-driven behaviors.

"My Mom Kindly Promised She Would Maintain My Car While I Was Away Temporarily. Well, She Didn't. Now It Has A Dead Battery And A Moldy Interior"

graycegal

"My Parents Went Through My Phone, Deleted Over 1500 Different Images And Videos, And Emptied The Trash Bin. I'm 15, And They Haven't Found Anything Bad On My Phone Ever"

SeparateAdvantage836

"I’m 17, And I Still Have Screen Time While My 14-Year-Old Sister Doesn’t"

Jojin120

Navigating Family Conflicts

Conflict resolution expert Dr. Michele Weiner-Davis suggests that family members often feel entitled to their perspectives without considering others' feelings. This can escalate conflicts and create toxic environments.

Weiner-Davis advocates for a technique called 'soft start-ups' during discussions, which involves approaching sensitive topics with kindness and understanding. This method can diffuse tension and foster healthier communication, allowing families to work through entitlement issues more effectively.

"It’s My First Baby"

Nalas_ofthe_balas

"My Mom Paused The Internet Because I Was Doing Homework And Forgot To Text Her Back. This Is Just One Example Of Her Holding The Internet Over My Head For Every Little Slip Up I Make"

AdrianKJ2001

"I Woke Up And Saw My Door Removed By My Parents. I Asked Them Why They Did That, And They Replied, "Privacy Isn't Necessary"

MadaraJaeger_69

Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, an education expert, discusses how cultural narratives about family can impact feelings of entitlement. He explains that some cultures emphasize collectivism, which can lead to familial obligations that burden individuals.

To address this, Sahlberg recommends encouraging open conversations about cultural expectations and personal desires. This dialogue can help family members understand each other better and reduce feelings of entitlement.

"My Mom Smashed My Phone"

stampfercamper

"When Your Mom Calls You A Bottom"

gaarasgourd

"My Mom Gets Mad That I Still Wear Masks And Comes In My Room And Cuts All Of Them While I'm Gone"

SwiftyShawn

The Importance of Self-Care

Psychologist Dr. Amy Cuddy emphasizes self-care as a necessary strategy for individuals dealing with toxic family dynamics. She notes that self-care practices empower individuals to maintain emotional health amid family-related stress.

Engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or creative hobbies, can provide a buffer against the negative impacts of entitlement and foster resilience against emotional challenges.

"Getting Tracked At 20 By My Anti-Vax Conspiracy Theory Mom. I Finally Convinced Her To Delete The Tracking App Though"

jboy1229

"I Don't Get Why She's So Mad That I Let My Kid Sleep On The Recliner Or Couch Sometimes"

rixendeb

"Mom Destroyed My Ultra Wide Monitor The Day After I Called The Cops On Her Because She Threw Rubbing Alcohol In My Eyes"

TranquilNemesis

Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, an education expert, highlights the role of emotional intelligence in managing family dynamics. Those who develop emotional intelligence can better navigate the complexities of entitlement within familial relationships.

She recommends training in emotional intelligence for both parents and children. By fostering skills like empathy, self-regulation, and interpersonal communication, families can create healthier environments that discourage entitlement and promote mutual respect.

"My Dad Sanded My Car's Hood Without Telling Me"

cheap_raviolies

"So I Told My Mom I Was Voting For Biden, And She Told Me, "I Don’t Want You To Come Visit. Don't Talk To Me Anymore" And Hung Up On Me. Then She Sent Me These Crazy Texts"

Ahhw2hs87

"I’m 27, And My Mom Thinks It’s Okay To Still Spank Or Smack Me And Gets Mad When I Defend Myself"

BringMeNirvanaa

Seeking Professional Help

Family therapist Dr. Harville Hendrix suggests that when entitlement leads to persistent conflict, seeking professional help may be necessary. He highlights that sometimes, the dynamics are too entrenched for individuals to resolve alone.

Therapy can provide a safe space for family members to explore their feelings and develop better communication strategies. Hendrix emphasizes that professional intervention can lead to healthier familial relationships and break patterns of entitlement.

"My Mother Took It Upon Herself To Cut Up One Of My Favorite Pairs Of Jeans, Then Threw The Rest In The Bin Without Telling Me. Thanks, Mum"

canyoubreathe

"Just Trying To Make Plans For My Birthday With My Stepdad. We Don't Go Out Much, We Maybe Go Out To Eat Once Every Month"

cd_unoxx

"My Dad Today"

Plutaph

Dr. Chris Kresser, a functional medicine expert, notes that emotional health is closely tied to physical well-being. He points out that chronic stress from toxic family dynamics can lead to health issues.

To combat this, Kresser emphasizes the importance of holistic self-care, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management techniques. Prioritizing physical health can significantly improve emotional resilience in the face of family-related challenges.

"The Subtle Way My Mom Shows Anger When Needing To Reschedule Lunch Plans"

TheLady208

"I’ve Been At College For One Day. My Dad Dropped Me Off Yesterday. It Hasn’t Even Been 24 Hours Since He Dropped Me Off. I’m Four And A Half Hours Away, And I Still Can’t Escape This"

Hamilfan16

"This Is What My Partner Has To Deal With Daily. Classic Narcissistic Mom"

Ethan_Sebire

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness can be a powerful tool in healing from familial entitlement, according to Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher. He explains that holding onto resentment can perpetuate negative family dynamics.

Schwartz advises individuals to engage in reflective practices that foster forgiveness. This doesn’t mean condoning harmful behaviors but rather freeing oneself from the emotional burden of resentment, which can lead to healthier family interactions.

"My Dad Will Often Park In Or Over Handicapped Spaces. This Is At A Medical Facility. The Parking Lot Was Mostly Empty"

BudgieGryphon

"My Dad Volunteered Me To Read At Church Tomorrow With A 5-Hour Notice And Has Refused To Call Me By My Name (I'm Trans)"

JingleheimerSchmin

"My Mom Thinks I'm A Substance Addict Because I Left The Toilet Seat Up And Got A "C" In One Class"

poizoni

In addressing family entitlement, it’s essential to consider the role of societal expectations. Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, a pediatrician, emphasizes that cultural narratives can shape family dynamics significantly.

He suggests that families engage in discussions about societal pressures and how they influence individual behaviors. By fostering awareness around these issues, families can work together to mitigate feelings of entitlement and promote healthier relationships.

"My Mom Adopted A Cat And Kept Her For Less Than 48 Hours Before Deciding The Poor Thing Was Too Much To Handle. Now She Wants Me To Buy Her A Dog?"

plsmrsdahmer

"My Parents Have Installed Software On My Phone Without My Consent That Disables The Ability To Clear History And Streams My Web History And Activity To Their Phone"

ScarcityCareless6241

"Parents Who Lit Cigarettes Inside Their Car While Their Kids Are Inside The Car"

fmintar1

Even though toxic parenting can have lasting effects, it’s important to remember that healing is possible. Many people find that understanding why their parents acted the way they did and seeking professional help is the first step toward emotional recovery.

It’s also crucial to know that, even if they had toxic parents, people can still create a healthier and happier environment for themselves and future generations. Support groups and social media remind us that we don’t have to do this alone.

We can find strength in our shared experiences and move forward with hope and determination, knowing that our choices and growth shape who we are, not our parents’ actions.

Therapeutic Insights & Recovery

Understanding the complexities of entitlement within family dynamics is crucial for fostering healthier relationships. Experts like Dr. Brené Brown and Dr. Jonathan Haidt emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and engaging in open communication with family members.

By recognizing unhealthy patterns and practicing self-care, individuals can break the cycle of entitlement and build stronger connections. Therapy, self-reflection, and empathy are vital tools in this process, paving the way for emotional healing and improved family dynamics.