Mothers Who Can’t Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters – Susan Forward

Mothers Who Can’t Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters by Susan Forward is a profound exploration of the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters, particularly focusing on those relationships marred by maternal neglect or abuse. The book offers guidance to daughters who have been emotionally wounded by their mothers, providing them with strategies to heal and reclaim their lives.

Identifying the Unloving Mother

The book categorizes unloving mothers into five types: the controlling mother, the envious mother, the emotionally absent mother, the narcissistic mother, and the competitive mother.

Each type has its own unique ways of causing emotional harm to daughters.

The Power of Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is a key part of healing.

Daughters must learn to accept and love themselves, regardless of their mother’s negative messages.

Rebuilding Relationships

The book suggests that daughters may choose to rebuild their relationship with their mother, but only if the mother is willing to change.

If not, it may be healthier to limit contact.

Building Healthy Relationships

Daughters are encouraged to build healthy relationships with others, fostering connections based on mutual respect, understanding, and love.