still sorting

What if some parents really *aren't* well-intentioned? What if the idea of being 'well-intentioned' never even entered their heads? What if, instead, they view the concept of 'parent' as being the equivalent of 'hammer', and the 'child' is really nothing more than a nail to be pounded on, right through the bleedin' wall, if necessary?

When I say pounded, I don't mean physically. In fact, I would argue that subtle (or not-so-subtle) verbal put-downs are, in the long run, more damaging than physical abuse, because they're so hard to spot. If someone punches you, it's an injury that's pretty hard to deny. There's a broken bone, or a black-and-blue mark, and you definitely remember the person actively hurting you.

Whereas with verbal abuse, the person can claim they 'didn't mean to hurt you,' and so the pain that you feel is called into question, as if there's something wrong with YOU for feeling hurt when someone calls you names or makes fun of you or tries to make you feel stupid.