I can only speak of personal experience on this one.

I was abused for the entirety of my childhood...in many ways...to the point that I don't remember a vast majority of it (defense mechanism). I am the mother of two girls (22 & 17). The oldest is a college grad with a degree in psychology and the youngest is a junior in high school. They are both well adjusted and doing well. I was and am a good mother. And, for the past two months and from here on out, I am raising my 25 mo. old nephew.

The reason I was/am a good mother is I remembered to childhood and found the things that made me feel bad and DID NOT do those things. The things that hurt mentally and physically were not repeated with my children. Oh, the capability was there to say cruel things, but I always had the "stop and think" and did not repeat them.

You will do fine and I know this because...if you are concerned enough to answer this question, you are concerned enough not to repeat the abuse. You realize it was abuse and have the "stop and think" not to repeat it...you're already using the "stop and think" with this post.

When you're ready, I think you will do fine. It will be a struggle at times and you'll have to muster up some pretty amazing emotional strength to turn and walk out of the room before opening your mouth, but you will do it because you care enough not to...for children that aren't even born. I applaud you for caring now. I hope you do (for yourself) get some therapy and heal these wounds...you deserve it. We all do.

I wish you well. Be safe,

Kimmydawn