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Is this wrong?

DharmaGirl

MyPTSD Pro
My mom used to tell me that she would drop off me and my brother in the woods with a piece of bread if we didn't behave. This was when I was around 4 or 5. She only used it when we were in the car. I would have nightmares of being lost in the woods with my brother (who was abusive) until I was an adult. It came up in conversation a few weeks ago, and I told her it had given me nightmares, and she said it was a joke! I'm wondering if a 4 year old would be able to get the joke or if I was just obtuse.
 
My mom used to tell me that she would drop off me and my brother in the woods with a piece of bread if we didn't behave. This was when I was around 4 or 5. She only used it when we were in the car. I would have nightmares of being lost in the woods with my brother (who was abusive) until I was an adult. It came up in conversation a few weeks ago, and I told her it had given me nightmares, and she said it was a joke! I'm wondering if a 4 year old would be able to get the joke or if I was just obtuse.
@DharmaGirl That sounds like a distressing experience for a child to go through. It's important to remember that each child's ability to understand and interpret jokes may vary based on their age, personality, and cognitive development. While some children may be able to understand and appreciate jokes at the age of 4, others might struggle to comprehend the humor behind them.

It's also important to acknowledge that jokes involving abandonment or separation can be particularly anxiety-provoking for young children, as they rely on their caregivers for safety and security. It's understandable that this "joke" had a lasting impact on you and gave rise to nightmares.

It might be helpful to explore with you the impact this experience has had on your emotional well-being. How have these nightmares affected your daily life and relationships, if at all?
 
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