Dreamin Reviews: Mothers Who Can’t Love
By:Jasmin Roden, LMSW, CAADC
Mother's Who Can't Love: A Healing Guide for Daughters by Susan Forward is an insightful and compassionate book that dives into the difficult subject of emotionally unavailable or neglectful mothers. Susan Forward offers a candid exploration of the lasting impact that a mother's inability to love can have on her daughter’s emotional well-being, self-worth, and relationships. Forward approaches the topic with sensitivity and without judgment. She doesn’t paint the mothers as “bad” people but focuses on the emotional limitations that may be preventing them from being loving and nurturing.
The book is divided into several sections, each addressing different aspects of the daughter-mother relationship. Part one explores what the “Mother Wound” is and how it impacts a child's emotional well-being. It covers various types of emotionally distant or harmful mothers, including those who are narcissistic, controlling, overly enmeshed, neglectful, or even abusive. Forward helps the reader understand that the problem lies with the mother’s emotional limitations, not the daughter’s shortcomings.
One of the main focuses is on identifying the signs of emotional neglect and helping daughters recognize their mother’s inability to provide the love and validation that they need. It also explores the deep emotional scars that such relationships can leave, including low self-esteem, insecurity, and difficulty in forming healthy adult relationships. Forward offers practical steps for healing, including understanding the mother's emotional limitations, setting boundaries, and learning to take care of oneself. The book also highlights the importance of forgiveness, not for the sake of the mother, but as a way for the daughter to release the emotional burden of the past.
Mother’s Who Can't Love is an essential read for anyone who has struggled with an emotionally distant or neglectful mother. With its compassionate tone and practical advice, the book empowers daughters to heal and reclaim their sense of self. Susan Forward’s professional insights provide comfort to those looking for validation and hope in their healing journey. The book may not provide all the answers, but it offers a solid foundation for moving forward and building healthier relationships.
Readability: Easy and clear to understand. Trigger warning with this content as Susan Forward does share examples from clients that she has worked with throughout the years. Some of the examples and stories may be difficult to read.
Recommended Reader: Someone who identifies with having a “mother wound.” This book acknowledges and validates these emotions and provides a space for healing and self-compassion. The book is primarily geared towards daughters who have experienced emotional neglect.
It is important to note that these books and other resources are not appropriate or meant to replace mental health or substance abuse treatment. If your symptoms are impacting your daily life, please seek treatment with an individual therapist or mental health provider.
