9 Relatable Mom Blogs Worth Reading

1. You're never sure what kind of mood your parents will be in before you walk in the living room or kitchen.

Let's put this on record: parenting is tough — especially on top of trying to maintain a work-life balance. But, this doesn't mean you're meant to be unsure of what to expect every time you come around your parents. If you have to "'read the room'" a lot "before speaking," Slavens indicates this is one of the more subtle signs of dysfunction.

This is where you may have learned how to become passive-aggressive if that's something you struggle with. The reason for this is because "clear and direct communication is avoided and/or seen as bad or aggressive," according to Dr. Miller.

2. You tend to feel like you're constantly compared to and in competition with your siblings.

My heart truly wants to believe this isn't intentional behavior from parents, but I can't say I haven't heard people talk about feeling like they'd never measure up to the 'golden child' of their family. You may have felt insecure about your grades, the college you chose to go to, your career goals, or even your physical appearance. Slavens says this "struggle with self-worth or second-guessing yourself constantly" is yet another sign that your family's dynamic wasn't the healthiest.

Also, Dr. Miller says this could've caused you to learn to "shrink yourself in the presence of loved ones." Even worse, you may "feel the need to hide pieces of yourself in order to be loved and accepted."

3. There was constant yelling and screaming during arguments, making you fearful of disagreements or hardships.

If you grew up in a home where arguments always led to screaming and yelling, chances are you're not a fan of loud voices or hard moments. Honestly, Slavens says it's not hard to believe that "conflict make you anxious, even when it’s minor." Unsurprisingly, you may have become a referee during these arguments and currently find yourself being a mediator in your platonic or romantic relationships. Why?

Dr. Miller says, "You constantly feel the need to manage everyone else’s emotions often at the cost of your own needs and wellbeing." You know, to keep the peace.

Here are some more obvious signs you grew up in a dysfunctional family

4. You had to take on a parental role when one of your parents decided to stop being an adult.

I imagine that having an emotionally immature parent is one of the most aggravating and stressful things to deal with. Not only that, but you may have had to help keep the household afloat. You may have had to get a job or two to help pay bills, listening to an adult conversation as your mom or dad laid their problems at your young feet, and more!

If you "family roles were flipped" and you "maybe had to parent your own parents," Slavens says this is a form of emotional dysfunction.

5. You weren't allowed to go anywhere with your friends because your parents wanted to keep an eye on you at all times.

Slavens says boundaries that "didn't exist" or "were rigid and controlling" is a sign your home was a little...interesting. Being concerned about your whereabouts is one thing, but it's another when you're unable to do anything without your parents' eagle-eyes on you. Something as simple as going to the mall with your friends may have become a lecture about the dangers of shoplifting or car wrecks. Again, these are valid concerns but they shouldn't be treated like the verbal form of doom scrolling.

6. You consistently witnessed one of your parents abuse alcohol or drugs at home.

This is a tough because substance abuse is so prevalent in varies socioeconomic statuses and communities. From the functioning alcoholic to the one who becomes belligerent after they've had too much to drink, it always affects those around them. Slavens says if "there was ongoing neglect, substance abuse, or verbal/physical aggression," your home probably didn't safe.

I recognize some of these signs of a dysfunctional family. But that doesn't mean they're affecting my current relationships, right?

I hate to break it to you, but it's possible your childhood wounds have shown up before. "Dysfunctional dynamics don’t stay in childhood — they tend to creep into how you connect with others," says Slavens. Similarly, Dr. Miller agrees that "we typically repeat what we learned at home with our families in our other relationships." How?

"This includes the beliefs and rules we follow, often completely subconsciously, about what can and can’t talk about and why, as well as what emotions are allowed to be expressed, who can express them and how, and how we should or must respond to those people and their emotions," explains Dr. Miller.

Another way to look at this is how Slavens has outlined it:

In Platonic Relationships:

1. Overextending yourself to please others, even at your own expense
2. Feeling like you have to "earn your friends' affections.
3. Avoiding vulnerability because it feels unsafe.

In Romantic Relationships:

1. Struggling to trust your partner or feeling overly suspicious
2. Repeating patterns like dating people who are emotionally unavailable or controlling.
3. Feeling overly responsible for your partner's happiness — or relying on them for yours.

OMG! How do I unlearn habits from my dysfunctional family?

Honestly, everyone has a few bad habits they've carried from their childhood to adulthood. You're not an outlier because some things weren't 100% normal so I don't want you to feel like you're a failure for not having having it all together. "Dysfunction doesn’t have to define your future relationships," Slavens assures. Dr. Miller says you can start to unlearn things "that aren't working for you anymore" by "gathering your family's larger context to gain insight into how and why, for them, the behaviors make sense."

By taking a look at your family's "history and larger social and political contexts" gives you a chance to "see them as whole people with full lives," she says. Once you do that, she believes "you can examine what pieces make sense for you to keep and what parts you'd like to learn to do differently." Her other suggestion? Don't forget you're ability to utilize a "therapist who works systemically, like an LMFT" who "can be a huge support in this process."

Slavens' tips include the following:

1. Practice self-awareness: Notice when a response feels automatic — like people-pleasing or shutting down during conflict — and ask yourself, Is this helping me, or is this a leftover habit from the past?
2. Set boundaries: If your childhood lacked healthy boundaries, learning to say “no” without guilt is a game-changer. Boundaries protect your energy and teach others how to treat you.
3. Learn healthy conflict skills: If conflict made you feel unsafe growing up, it’s natural to avoid it. But healthy conflict is necessary in relationships. Practice expressing your needs calmly and directly.
4. Therapy, therapy, therapy: A good therapist can help untangle the messy, “weird” things that got normalized and give you tools to rebuild healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
5. Surround yourself with healthier models: Whether it’s friends, mentors, or books/podcasts, seek examples of functional relationships and start observing what feels different.

While you're busy unlearning things, Dr. Miller also wants you to remember something. "Recognize that how your family does something is simply that; how your particular family system figured out and were taught to navigate the world. It isn’t inherently right because you’ve normalized it nor is the way another person or family does it inherently wrong," she says.

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

1. 1883 — Stream on Paramount+

You didn't think I could start this list without the Yellowstone prequels did you? This gripping and emotional TV show follows the Duttons in the year 1883 as they move from Texas to Montana.

Stream 1883 on Paramount+. The show stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hébert.

The second Yellowstone prequel finds the next generation of Duttons scattered around the world — and 1923 season 2 (coming February 23, 2025) will see Spencer and Alex fighting to get back home.

1923 is on Paramount+ and stars Julia Schlaepfer, Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Darren Mann, Jerome Flynn, Aminah Nieves, and Isabel May.

3. Godless — Stream on Netflix

Godless is a super cool show because it takes the cowboy narrative so many of us grew up on and flips it on its head. When a gang of outlaws tracks a supposed traitor named Roy to La Belle, they realize the town is governed mainly by women...and they're notorious.

Godless is on Netflix and stars Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

This TV show takes us down south, to West Texas. Tommy Norris, a crisis exec, tries to secure his company's spot in the oil business during a fuel boom in this addicting show.

Landman is on Paramount+ and stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, Jacob Lofland, Kayla Wallace, James Jordan, Mark Collie, Paulina Chávez, Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Andy Garcia, and Michael Peña.

If you can't get enough of the family drama, then you'll definitely want to start Succession. This Emmy-winning series follows Logan Roy as he (and his four kids) tries to figure out what the heck to do with the future of his company. Trust me, you'll want to binge watch this one.

Succession is on Max. The show stars Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Brain Cox, Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Mcfadyen, Alan Ruck, and J. Smith-Cameron.

6. Lawmen: Bass Reeves — Stream on Paramount+

Another Paramount pick! Lawmen: Bass Reeves follows the titular Bass, who was one of the first Black deputy U.S. marshals on the west side of the Mississippi.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is Paramount+ and stars David Oyelowo, Barry Pepper, Demi Singleton, Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Forrest Goodluck, and Lauren E. Banks.

Billy The Kid is definitely for the Yellowstone fans who love the Western vibes of it all. This show follows a younger Billy as he falls in love, experiences different kinds of heartbreak, and becomes the outlaw we know all too well.

Stream Billy The Kid on MGM+ and see Tom Blyth, Eileen O'Higgins, Daniel Webber, and Alex Roe.

8. Hatfields & McCoys — On Amazon Prime

This series is also a great option for any history buff, and revolves around the true feud between the Hatfield family and the McCoys in Kentucky and West Virginia, respectively. To think it (almost) all started because of a stolen pig...

Hatfields & McCoys is on Amazon Prime and stars Kevin Costner. Bill Paxton, Tom Berenger, Mare Winningham, Jena Malone, Boyd Holbrook, and Powers Boothe.

9. The English — Stream on Prime Video

Need even more girl power? Turn on The English, which sees Emily Blunt's character out for revenge on the man she blames for her son's death.

The English is on Prime Video and stars Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Stephen Rea.

10. Ozark — Stream on Netflix

This family drama follows the Byrdes, who hightail it to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong sends a Mexican drug lord after them.

Ozark is on Netflix and stars Jason Bateman, Julia Garner, Laura Linney, Skylar Gaertner, and Charlie Tahan.

11. Longmire — Stream on Netflix

Longmire is another modern Western like Yellowstone, and follows Walt Longmire, a widowed sheriff trying to put his life back together and protect Absaroka County at the same time.

Longmire is on Netflix. The show stars Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, and Adam Bartley.

12. Peaky Blinders — Stream on Netflix

If you love the Yellowstone drama more than the aesthetic, swap the West for Ireland with Peaky Blinders, which follows Tommy Shelby as he leads a 20th Century gangster family.

13. Outer Range — Stream on Prime Video

Outer Range combines Western storytelling with sci-fi elements so while this is technically a Western, it's definitely something you've never seen before. The story follows the Abbotts, who are trying to deal with their daughter-in-law's disappearance and protecting their ranch...then a black void appears.

Outer Range is on Prime Video and stars Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Noah Reid, and Imogen Poots.

14. Sons of Anarchy — Stream on Hulu

Tensions run high in this TV show for Yellowstone fans, which follows a biker who can't reconcile his new role as a father with his place in an outlaw motorcycle club.

Sons of Anarchy is on Hulu and stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates, Mark Boone Junior, and Tommy Flanagan.

15. The Ranch — Stream on Netflix

If you need a laugh, turn on The Ranch, which offers a different (read: fun!) perspective on ranch life. Listen, I get it — sometimes dramas can get you down!

The Ranch is on Netflix and stars Ashton Kutcher, Sam Elliott, and Debra Winger.

16. Bloodline — Stream on Netflix

Family secrets are everywhere in this show, which deals with the fallout of the family's "black sheep" finally returning home.

Bloodline is on Netflix and stars Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini, Sissy Spacek, Norbert Leo Butz, and Jacinda Barrett.

17. Deadwood — Stream on Max

Want to keep up the drama after the Yellowstone finale? Tune into Deadwood, which takes place at the end of the 1800s and examines all the lawless corruption going on in Deadwood, South Dakota. (Spoiler: there's a lot).

Deadwood is on Max and stars Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, and Brad Dourif.