Setting Boundaries With a Toxic Parent

Here's how to deal with behavior that's critical, unpredictable, or otherwise difficult.

- RACHEL ZAR, L.M.F.T., C.S.T.

Every family has issues, difficulties, and recurring conflicts, and it’s normal for a parent to sometimes rub you the wrong way. So how do you know if your parent is toxic, especially when there’s no blatant abuse, violence, or assault? Toxicity is not a one-time hurtful act; it’s a pattern of emotional instability, boundary crossing, or manipulation that doesn’t shift despite efforts at connection and repair. And it can seriously impact your mental health and sense of emotional safety.

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR