For both mordechai and Motherless Mother-to-Be, I suggest you check out the book, "Understanding the Borderline Mother." Pay particular attention to the section on the witch mother.

I've struggled with a mother and grandmother who have borderline personality disorder, and I suffered much abuse growing up. The scary part is that borderline mothers train their children (particularly daughters) borderline behaviors. This book has been a godsend - helped me to understand my mother and break the cycle in my own life. An abusive family is the last thing I want to impose upon my children.

Even if your moms aren't borderline, I think the book will help you understand reasons why some mothers hurt their children instead of nurture them.

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