Not everybody has a super chill communication style with their family, and that’s okay! Some families express themselves by interrupting each other and yelling passionately. Other families might not always be super affirmative, but they communicate their love in other ways, like being present and doing acts of service. They might have a dry sense of humor and enjoy making fun of each other. None of these qualities are the makings of a family with toxic communication habits on their own. 

There are so many nefarious ways a parent can communicate with their kids. There’s the classic «I guess I’m such a horrible mother,» but that’s elementary stuff. What’s much worse is hurling insults, making threats, and overreacting to minor slights on the child’s part. The way a parent interacts with their kid when nobody is listening tells us so much, and these insane parenting texts are textbook examples of this phenomenon.