Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse where one person manipulates another to question their own reality, memories, or sanity. In the case of gaslighting parents, it refers to a situation where a parent uses gaslighting tactics to control or manipulate their child.
Gaslighting parents may use tactics such as denying the child’s experiences, feelings, or memories, invalidating their emotions, or blaming them for problems or conflicts that are not their fault. Gaslighting parents may also use emotional manipulation to control their child’s behavior or decision-making, such as using guilt or shame to make them feel responsible for the parent’s emotions or needs.
Gaslighting by a parent can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Children who are gaslit by their parents may struggle with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and difficulty trusting their own perceptions and experiences. They may also have difficulty forming healthy relationships and setting boundaries, as they may have learned to accept and internalize the gaslighting behavior of their parent.
If you believe you are being gaslit by a parent, it is important to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. Gaslighting can be difficult to recognize, and having the support of others can help you to validate your experiences and regain your sense of self. It may also be necessary to set boundaries with the gaslighting parent or to limit contact if the behavior continues, in order to protect your own mental and emotional well-being.
© Linda C J Turner
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