Parent who experienced exploitation as a child

Parent who experienced domestic violence as a child

Parent who experienced loss of a parent as a child

Parent who experienced neglect as a child

Parent who experienced parental abandonment as a child

Parent who experienced sexual abuse as a child

Parent who experienced violence, assault, rape

Parent who was institutionalized or placed in foster care as a child

##  Patterns You Might Recognize
*If these ring true, exploitation legacy may shape you:*
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>  **Transaction wounds**: Mix love with exchange
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>  **Vulnerability fear**: Avoid being "used" at all costs
>
>  **Grooming radar**: Spot manipulators instantly

Your parent was hurt as a child in ways they never healed from, and their unresolved pain affected how they raised you.

You witnessed how hurtful people could be and vowed never to be like them.

Normal kid behavior triggered outsized reactions in them, making you feel like you were constantly walking through an emotional minefield.

The unhealthy relationships in your family felt normal because they were all you knew.

Love came with strings attached from the people who were supposed to care for you unconditionally.

Compliments felt dangerous—your parents' praise came with guilt and manipulation.

As a child, you stayed loyal to people who hurt you—because they were your family.

You hated your family's patterns, but feared you'd become just like them anyway.

Tools & Learning

💔8-Question Parent Who Experienced Exploitation As A Child Quiz: What's Your Trauma Dating Style?

Check what feels familiar:

Step 2: Explore 5 Dating Patterns From Growing Up with Parent Who Experienced Exploitation As A Child