Not everyone has a mother that is loving, supporting, or even caring. Some have mothers that are absent, dysfunctional or abusive. This makes Mother’s Day a very difficult time because they are being asked to honor and celebrate someone who is a negative in their lives at a very deep level. For everyone who struggles with Mother issues, here’s some wisdom to help you get through the day:
The Adult Daughter’s Bill of Rights (from Mother’s Who Can’t Love by Susan Forward)
- You have the right to be treated with respect
- You have the right to not take responsibility for anyone else’s problems or bad behavior.
- You have the right to get angry.
- You have the right to say no.
- You have the right to make mistakes.
- You have the right to your own feelings, opinions, and convictions.
- You have the right to change your mind or to decide on a different course of action.
- You have the right to negotiate for change.
- You have the right to ask for emotional support or help.
- You have the right to protest unfair treatment or criticism.
As an adult daughter you are responsible for:
- Claiming your own self-worth
- Having the life you want.
- Acknowledging and changing your own behavior when it is critical or hurtful.
- Finding your own adult power.
- Changing the behavior that’s a replica of your mother’s unloving programing.