Toxic adult children manipulate, harass, blackmail, bully and abuse their parents in many ways.
One common method is the never ending guilt-trip. These sneaky bullies still blame their parents for everything they haven’t gotten in life or for everything that’s going wrong for them now. They give the loud, silent-treatment or blow up and lash out whenever they want. They blackmail by controlling access to the grandchildren. They justify their tirades by saying that they won’t repress their feelings any more.
I’ve seen toxic adult children at age 40, 50 and 60 still playing the same old tune, “You owe me and I’m entitled to beat you.”
Well, maybe you weren’t a perfect parent. Maybe you weren’t as good a parent as you wish you were. And maybe you were nicer to one child or maybe another child needed more care.
But, the long answer you know you’ve been putting off giving those selfish, spoiled, narcissistic brats is, “Grow up. You’re an adult. Be strong and courageous. Make a wonderful life for yourself. Let's have a thrilling adult relationship. If you want anything from me, ask nice. Use the magic words; stop trying to beat me into submission.”
So say it. Stop being a whipping boy or girl. Insist on good behavior in your space. Your children need consequences in order to have a chance of changing. They’ll never grow up if they can get away with throwing temper tantrums.
I know it’s hard. There’s a lot on the line. But it’s necessary. Protect your Isle of Song.
The best way to stop bullying by toxic adult children is to hire Dr. Ben for personalized coaching and counseling so you can:
- Develop the strength, courage, will and determination to be and to act your best resolutely, diligently and effectively.
- Develop a plan and master the skills necessary to create the bully-free life your spirit has always hungered for.
Since all tactics depend on the situation, call me at 1-877-8Bullies for expert coaching by phone or Skype.