“What is a toxic parent?” you might ask. Well, a toxic parent is a mother, father or guardian whose presence in a child’s life causes more danger or damage emotionally, physically or psychologically to the child.

Toxic behaviours mean behaviours that are transmitted unto children that could cause potential harm directly or indirectly.

A toxic parent is a parent who inflicts emotional damage that affects a child’s sense of self. Any parent who is abusive verbally, physically and or (in some cases) sexually is toxic to any child. A toxic parent can also be a parent who is inadequate or ignores a child’s emotional needs.

A toxic parent can be a parent whose negative style of parenting leave a lasting legacy of damage in his or her children’s lives. Parents whose cruelty is frown upon.

Here are few signs of a toxic parent.

1. Are you a parent who holds back emotionally? Are you a parent who withdraws the love you have for your child when you are not happy with your child? Do you punish your child with silence treatment? Are you the type whose love for your child only shines when he makes you proud?
2. Are you a parent who compete with your child or brags about their accomplishments? Do you sometimes have to explain where your child got his looks from or his talent from? Do you always butt when someone compliments your child? Do you make it clear to people that your child gets “the look”, “the brain”, “the sense of humour”  from you?
3. Are you a manipulative parent? Do you lie to your children? Are you a control freak? Does your child trust you at all?
4. Do you always make fun of your child or call them names? Do you find yourself talking about yourself too often when your child expresses a concern?
5. Do you have a favourite among your children? Do you have a “golden child” and “the scapegoat” child? Do you have a “perfect child” who is capable of no wrong and “a black sheep” who causes all the troubles”?
6. Do you scream or defend yourself when your child criticizes you? Do you find yourself screaming or threatening to smack or hurt your children whenever they criticize your parenting method?
7. Are you a parent who is never wrong? A parent who never says sorry?
8. Do you like to present a perfect family image to the outsiders? Do you go to great lengths to ensure that others perceive you as a loving, successful parent?
9. Do you make your child feels guilty? Do you always tell your child what you sacrifice as a parent? Do you find yourself saying, ” I have done so much for you, I have sacrificed everything”? Do you say this to make your child obey you? Do you weep regularly in front of your children?
10. Do you let your child have a say in family issues or do you determine everything from food to clothing to the school your child attends?
11. Do you curse, yell at your children in a way that when you are done you realised you lost your temper or out of control? Do you fly off the handle as a conflict-resolution technique?