ABSTRACT
Why is it that toxic parents retain control over their children, often even into adulthood? And why do individuals who suffer toxic parenting find it so difficult to escape the emotional grasp of their parents and learn that the way forward is to eschew their help, support, and/or sense of approval in order to live their lives? The crux of the matter lies in the fact that the toxins and poisons the “child” imbibes from such a parent are usually mixed with a toxic love that masquerades as nourishment. This is often the only form of nourishment with which the emotionally starving child has come into contact. He or she latches on to it, therefore, in their state of hungry fervour. Unfortunately, this nourishment is poisonous, because of the toxic environment in which it is set.
