Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families: You’re Allowed To Ask For Love From Your Kids

I work with many Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families who were raised by difficult parents in sad or chaotic homes. Many of these people had parents who used guilt and shame as ways to exert control and get their needs met by their kids. Narcissistic, BPD, and depressed parents all can engage in this type of behavior. They do not intend to hurt their kids, but their own upbringings and issues have left them very dependent on their kids to meet their emotional needs.