many kids crushed because they cannot live up to their parents' expectations and the reliving of the parents lives through their children. I have also seen the effects of parents and elders realizing that a child is not them, and only pushing them to be the best that they can be at what they are happiest with. This piece makes it clear that our children need their own goals and you have made it clear that you understand that. Nicely done, no criticisms. ~ Geezer.
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one small suggestion, in this line: "
"And then you say you need to be tough,and you are trying to push me." I feel your poem would read more smoothly if you broke it up by making it two lines:

And then you say you need to be tough,
and you are trying to push me.

remove both "And (and) and. they are unnecessary.

I like your poem because I can relate to it. your message says the things I wished I could say when I was much younger.

*hugs, Cat

First off, I agree with Cat, always eliminate articles that are superfluous or unneeded. Usually you can find a more interesting way to phrase a line. There isn’t much else here to critique.

I suffered some low grade emotional abuse from my mother. I just always thought it was normal. Honestly as children, my sister and I found it sort of comical, that was our coping mechanism I suppose. I also suppose we are trauma bonded to a degree. We are very close as adults. We sing together on my recordings, we are keeping our children close to each other too.
My mom was a good mom, she just had poor coping mechanisms which I also find myself having. Learned behaviors. I am in therapy. I don’t want that for my children.

Because of all this, your poem obviously touched me; your experience being different from mine of course.

Glad you’re expressing it through writing,
Tim

Resonates deep with me. While my mother was well intentioned, her way of handling things, especially my being so very different from her and my father (I am adopted), did some damage to me growing up and left me with difficulties as an adult. I then ventured into the realm of my biological background to see where it is I actually belonged and why I am the way I am, I learned some are behaviors I learned and some are fortunately/unfortunately inherited. I have tried to raise my kids with the idea that they are free to be who they are, whoever that may be at any given moment, I am as flexible as I can be through their transitions while doing my best to guide and encourage their strengths and opportunities they are given because I don't ever want them to feel as out of place as I did and still do. Great job on this poem!