When a mother has unrepaired attachment injuries from her own upbringing, her capacity to soothe herself or her daughter is compromised. An emotionally fragile mother may have facial expressions that frighten her daughter or vocal tones that are hard to listen to. Easily distressed, a vulnerable mother can’t tolerate it when her daughter has big emotions, particularly if they are negative emotions. Afraid that she has no solution, a vulnerable mother may push her daughter away to avoid feeling helpless.
