I’ll admit I’m no stranger to getting into a heated argument with my older daughter, who is now a pre-teen, which means, it happens pretty often. However, I try to think that it’s a normal stage of growing up. Sure, my daughter and I don’t always see eye to eye, but at the end of the day, I know I would do just about anything to make her happy. No parent is perfect, and sometimes reminding ourselves that we’re simply human beings who are doing the best we can is a great way to put things into perspective.
Yet not all mothers have pure intentions. In fact, in some rare cases, they’re straight up sinister. Here are the worst moms throughout history that will make you want to give yourself a pat on the back for being such a rockstar compared to these disasters!
George Washington’s Mother, Mary Ball Washington
George Washington acquired a ton of loyal fans and supporters, yet his mother was not one of them. In fact, the very first president of the United States found his biggest hater yet in the form of the woman who’d given birth to him. She actively supported his enemies and horribly criticized her famous son to anyone who would listen.
Not cool, Mrs. Washington! Not cool.
Jesse James’ Mother, Zerelda Cole
Once upon a time, Jesse James was the most notorious outlaw in U.S. history. Throughout the 19th century, he’d rob multiple stores, with his crimes eventually escalating to cold-blooded murder. His mother, Zerelda Cole, was no saint either, since she fully condoned her son’s violent ways. In fact, she was so supportive of Jesse James’ fatal crimes that she’d give tours of his farm and sell off his weapons. Because a family that is horrible and violent together stays together, I guess?
Jennette McCurdy’s Mother, Debra McCurdy
Now, looking at a more modern example, former iCarly star Jennette McCurdy endured decades of abuse at the hands of her mother. There’s a reason she titled her best-selling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died. Her mother, Debra, was straight-up cruel. From encouraging eating disorders to berating her daughter for going on a date, and committing other horrific acts of abuse, it’s no wonder McCurdy used such an unapologetic title for her autobiography. A true survivor!
Eleanor Roosevelt
When we think of Eleanor Roosevelt, our minds usually recall the positive contributions she made to our country. Despite all the good she did for the U.S., she wasn’t exactly a saint when it came to motherhood. In fact, she reportedly hung a baby cradle carrying her infant outside the window. She’s certainly not winning the Mother of the Year award anytime soon. She knew she was unfit for the gig of motherhood, and even said so in handwritten letters on several occasions. Hey, at least she was self-aware?
Joan Crawford
Joan Crawford may be a figure of Hollywood legendary status, but her home life was allegedly anything but glamorous. According to her adopted daughter, Christina, Joan suffered from alcohol abuse and raised her daughter as a mere accessory for publicity purposes rather than to share a loving relationship. And what daughter feels comfortable as an accessory, no different than a handbag, rather than a real, live person? While Christina Crawford admits the film Mommie Dearest added many fictionalized moments of abuse, she also maintains her story that Joan Crawford was incredibly abusive throughout her upbringing.
Demi Moore’s Mother, Virginia Guynes
Demi Moore may be known for her glitz and glam on the red carpet, but her home life growing up was anything but glamorous. Her young mother, Virginia Guynes, created a hostile environment for her daughter, including taking her to bars as a teenager to get the attention of men. Moore also confessed that she was assaulted in her home at 15 years old by a man claiming her mother had paid him $500. This highly traumatic experience led to years of alcohol abuse and a massive breach of trust in Moore’s relationship with her mother.
Bette Davis
We’ll never be able to listen to the song “Bette Davis Eyes” the same way again! According to her daughter, her famous mother created a home built on emotional abuse, manipulation, and cruelty. She alleges that the famous Hollywood starlet used to pretend to commit suicide in order to evoke fear, guilt, and compliance.
Lenore Skenazy
Lenore Skenazy’s parenting methods are considered extremely controversial, with some praising her mothering style and others deeming it grossly irresponsible. However, the latter opinion is more common. In 2008, Skenazy found herself in the spotlight after writing the article “Why I Let My 9-Year-Old Ride the Subway Alone” for The New York Sun. Skenazy believed some parents were too worried about their children’s safety and that teaching her son to fear the world was unproductive. Unsurprisingly, she received intense online backlash, eventually resulting in her being crowned America’s Worst Mom. Not exactly a title to be proud of.
Now, go and give your mom a hug for not being half as bad as these ladies.
