Are Toxic Parenting Phrases Considered So 1990s?

Toxic parenting phrases started trending on Instagram recently, and plenty of people across the world can relate to that. However, it seems that might be something now considered so 1990s, at least judging by one mom’s trending TikTok video.

Toxicity Changes With New Parenting?

Who doesn’t remember the quite hurtful phrases that parents dropped as frequently as D-listers on television? “I’ll give you something to cry for,” was popular. Then there was the comment about bashing a kid into the next eternity. Others that seemed innocuous, like “You’ll do it and you’ll like it,” could easily cause resentment in any child.

Trends change, and often, it seems that kids are molly-coddled these days. However, a nicer trend with parenting highlights more positive reinforcement. This became evident on TikTok when a mom who goes by the handle of @brandi_davis24 shared a unique video of her with her child.

The Video That Replaced Ugly Sayings 

Upworthy carried an article about the TikTokker who has more than 20K followers. As an introduction, the outlet noted:

One of the most redeeming things about being a parent is the opportunity to right parenting wrongs from childhood. Healing generational trauma and breaking chains for a new generation is a powerful parenting gift.

Actually, if you think about it, some old sayings could even cause mental health issues for young kids. In the video, which you can see further down in this article, Brandi appeared with her daughter and asked her to “complete” some sayings that she grew up with. Each time, she was unable to complete the toxic part.

The Child’s Responses

Brandi asked her child to complete the old toxic parenting sayings. She’d say the first half, and let her daughter finish it up. When Brandi said, “I brought you into this world,” instead of saying, “so I can take you out of it,” her daughter said, “so I am beautiful.” How sweet is that?

The next one up was, “When we go into this store (don’t ask for anything).” Well, the little girl said, “Don’t run away,” instead of “Don’t ask for anything.”

Here’s another example: “Children are for (being seen, not heard).” Well, in her daughter’s book, children are for “a kitchen.” It might be way off the mark, but it does illustrate that this child is not constantly exposed to the toxic parenting phrases that so many people grew up with. 

Responses From Viewers

In the comments section, nearly a thousand people had their say, amid more than 70K likes. One follower said, “This healed something in me. You’re doing a great job.”

Another follower wrote, “There is no “but” after “I love you,” You’re doing an amazing job mama.” That response came when Brandi did the “I love you (but I don’t like you)” phrase; her daughter was unable to complete it because she wasn’t familiar with a “but” before love.

Of course, one video does not mean that toxic parenting phrases are so 1990s. Unfortunately, millions of kids across the world still experience them. However, more stories like Brandi’s could help to change that little by little. Do you agree? Shout out in the comments below and come back here often for all your parenting news and updates. 

The Child’s Responses