20 Toxic Parents Who Treated Their Adult Child Like A Kid

Are you tired of being treated like a kid by your parents? Still getting grounded and having your phone taken away at the ripe age of 30? Well, fear not, my fellow adult children, because you are definitely not alone. We’ve gathered 20 stories of adults subjected to toxic parenting styles that refuse to let go. From overbearing helicopter parents to controlling hovercrafts, these examples will make you feel seen, heard, and validated.

So get ready for some relatable tales of toxic parenting. We'll show you that you're not crazy for feeling trapped in a cycle of childish dependence and give you the courage to set boundaries and reclaim your independence. Get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe at some of the outrageous behavior exhibited by these 20 toxic parents who treated their adult child like a kid.

My mom thinks if I take my dogs outside to pee when it’s dark that I will die/be murdered/abducted. I’m 25.

This mom was trying to unlock their 30-year-old's phone.

This parent didn't want their 30-year-old child to get influenced by the devil at a concert

This parent didn't see their child as "pure" anymore because they were living with their partner before marriage.

I was 19 and living at college, and I disgraced the family by getting my nose pierced. I came “home” for literally 5 minutes to grab something out of my room and get this text after I leave.

I’ve been at college for one day. He dropped me off yesterday. It’s orientation week.

My parents hid this to see what I was eating and see if I was up late. I'm 19.

This parent blew up their 18-year-old's phone with messages because they didn't answer the phone for 20 minutes.

I am 18 and my mother threatens not to send me to college if I don’t spend time with her.

This parent wouldn't stop messaging their adult child when they knew they were sleeping over at their boyfriend's place.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my mother after I disabled the tracking location app on my phone, I am 21 years old...

I’m 22(F) and moved out. My narcissistic mom insists we meet every week for “family dinner”.

An insane mom.

I synced my calendar with my mum and forgot I have my birth control implant replacement date marked 3 years from now. I’m 20.

This mom showed up at their child's place unannounced and didn't see why they were upset.

My mom found out I (18M) was having sex with a girl for over a year.

I am 22 years old, living on my own with my husband, and my dad still tries to control what I do.

I’m a turkey because I don’t want to download an app so my mom can track me.

This parent was keeping tabs on their 40-year-old child years after they got arrested for a petty misdemeanor.

This parent wanted proof that their 20-year-old child was at the movies as they said.