In recent months, many families have been unable to see each other due to lockdowns, quarantines, and social distancing. This challenging time has actually brought some families closer together emotionally. However, it has also highlighted the toxicity in some family dynamics. Claire Jack, Ph.D., hypnotherapist, life coach, and researcher, has identified seven warning signs of a toxic family. If you’re unsure about the health of your family dynamic, these signs might resonate with you.
1. Gossiping: In a toxic family, gossip is used to bring members down rather than support them.
2. Exploiting Weaknesses: In a toxic family, vulnerabilities are exploited to bring individuals down.
3. Preventing Change: Toxic families prevent their members from growing or changing for the better.
4. Frequent Fighting: Toxic families often display favoritism and competition among siblings, preventing healthy relationships to develop.
5. Accepting or Hiding Abusive Behavior: In toxic families, abusive behavior is often normalized and not addressed.
6. Limiting Voice: In toxic families, individuals are not allowed to voice their experiences or concerns that contradict the established family narrative.
7. Unpredictability: Toxic families are characterized by volatile behavior and lack of trust.
If you find yourself in a toxic family dynamic, there are steps you can take to protect your emotional well-being. Setting boundaries, practicing detachment, and planning meetings will help you navigate the situation. Remember that you cannot change anyone else’s behavior, but you can change how you interact with them. It is important to prioritize your emotional well-being and seek support from professionals if necessary.
