How to React When Your Mom Says Hurtful Things

Afrar
2 min readFeb 28, 2024

Dealing with hurtful comments from a loved one, especially a parent, can be challenging.

Image by Марина Вельможко from Pixabay

Here are some suggestions on how to react when your mom says hurtful things:

Stay Calm:

Try to remain calm and composed. Reacting impulsively may escalate the situation.

Take a Moment:

If the comment is particularly hurtful, take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding. This can prevent saying things in the heat of the moment.

Reflect on Intentions:

Consider whether your mom intended to hurt you or if it was a result of her own stress, frustration, or other emotions. Understanding the context can help you respond more empathetically.

Communicate:

Express your feelings calmly and assertively. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, say, “I feel hurt when you say [comment]” instead of “You always say hurtful things.”

Set Boundaries:

If there are recurring hurtful comments, establish boundaries. Let your mom know what type of language is unacceptable and how it affects you.

Seek Understanding:

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