Dear moms,
I know that cutting off toxic family members can be one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not easy to let go of people you’ve known your whole life, even when they’re causing you so much pain and heartache. But sometimes, it’s the only way to protect yourself and your children from the same kind of hurt you experienced growing up.
I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to make that choice. It’s okay to put yourself and your family first, even if it means breaking ties with people who are supposed to love and support you unconditionally. You are not obligated to maintain relationships with anyone who makes you feel small, unworthy, or unsafe.
I know it’s scary to think about the future, to wonder how your children will feel about your decision when they’re older. But trust me, they will thank you. They will thank you for showing them that they don’t have to tolerate abuse or neglect, that they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They will thank you for breaking the cycle of dysfunction and pain that may have plagued your family for generations.
It’s not going to be easy. There will be moments when you doubt yourself, when you second-guess your decision, when you mourn the loss of what could have been. But remember that you’re doing the best you can with the resources you have. You’re making a brave and selfless choice to protect your children from the same kind of trauma you endured.
And you’re not alone. There are so many of us out here who have made the same choice, who have walked away from toxic family members and never looked back. We’re here to support you, to listen to you, to remind you that you’re doing the right thing. You’re not alone, and you’re not wrong. You’re a warrior, a protector, a hero to your children.
So keep going. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep loving yourself and your family fiercely. You’ve got this, mama. You’re doing the best for your kids. And that’s all that matters.