PEGS' 2023 Recap

Sophie Allen • January 24, 2024

PEGS' 2023 Recap

As we move into 2024, let’s reflect on 2023; it's with both pride and gratitude that we look back on a year filled with achievements, growth and meaningful connections at PEGS. From awards and promotions to impactful radio appearances and expanded training initiatives, our journey over the past 12 months has been nothing short of impactful.

One of the highlights of the year has been the heartening feedback from numerous parents who have shared their experience with PEGS on their CPA (Child to Parent Abuse) journey. We are honoured to have made a positive impact on these parents, guardians & carers, reaffirming our commitment to providing essential resources and support for those experiencing CPA.

Our founding director Michelle John, took centre stage multiple times in 2023 on both the radio and at seminars this year, passionately raising awareness about Child to Parent Abuse and reassuring parents that they are not alone. Through these broadcasts, we've strived to break the silence surrounding this issue and foster a sense of community among those facing similar challenges.

The Child to Parent Abuse Covenant (CPAC) was launched in 2021, with the backing of the Department for Work and Pensions, due to 70% of parents at that time telling us how their work had been impacted because of the abuse from their child. Celebrating 2 years of CPAC, we wanted to highlight employers who have or were about to sign up to the covenant and to encourage further employer commitment whilst raising awareness to child to parent abuse. This was a very successful event and a true highlight for last year.

The year 2023 brought not just recognition but also growth, both externally and internally. PEGS and our dedicated staff received nominations and won awards, a testament to the unwavering dedication and excellence exhibited throughout the year. This growth has allowed us to extend our reach and assist even more parents, with new members joining the PEGS family and two well-deserved internal promotions—congratulations, Ellie & Sophia!

In response to the increasing demand for knowledge and support, we introduced more workshops, providing valuable information and training to parents and professionals. Our goal is to equip our community with the tools they need to recognise Child to Parent Abuse and spread awareness.

As we set our sights on 2024, the horizon looks promising for PEGS; we have new workshops coming, further expanding our offerings to further knowledge and understanding as well as the introduction of our online yoga sessions, promoting not only mental well-being but also offering a unique way for our community to connect. Starting in February, our new Walk & Talk sessions will provide an opportunity for PEGS Parents to engage in meaningful conversations with our practitioners while enjoying the benefits of physical activity and a safe space.

Our commitment to furthering support practices for parents and professionals remains unwavering. As we venture into the new year, we aspire to build on the successes of 2023, fostering growth and extending our reach to help even more individuals. With gratitude for the past and enthusiasm for the future, here's to a transformative 2024 at PEGS.

Interested in reading some of the articles PEGS featured in last year? You can find them here:

Shropshire enterprise finds a quarter of parents abused by own child say it started before age six

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August Spotlight: Verbal Abuse

By PEGS Admin • August 19, 2025

When Words Hurt – Facing Verbal Abuse from Your Child There are few things more emotionally painful than hearing cruel, dismissive or demeaning words from your own child. Whether they’re still under your roof or are well into adulthood, being spoken to in a verbally abusive way by the very person you raised with love and care can leave parents feeling confused, heartbroken and alone. It's not something we often talk about openly. Parents may fear being judged or blamed or they may question whether their experience is even valid. But verbal abuse from a child whether they’re 14 or 40 - is real and it matters. If you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of shouting, insults, blame or emotional manipulation from your child, this space is for you. You are not alone. Verbal abuse can take many forms and not all of them are loud or obvious. Some common examples include: Repeated criticism or personal attacks Name-calling, sarcasm or mockery Shouting or aggressive tone Gaslighting or manipulation (“You’re imagining it” / “You always make it about you”) Blame-shifting and emotional guilt trips Intimidating silence or threats These behaviours, especially when ongoing, can leave emotional bruises that are hard to explain to others or even to ourselves. For many parents, the verbal abuse doesn’t start all at once. It might begin as eye-rolling, snide remarks or even sudden mood swings. But over time, those moments become more frequent, more intense, more targeted. The home no longer feels like a place of peace. Interactions start to feel unsafe. “She speaks to me like I’m her enemy. I raised her with love, but now I feel like nothing I do is ever right in her eyes” -Mum to a 17-year-old daughter “I dread phone calls from my adult son. He rings only to shout and unload on me. I hang up shaking every single time” -Dad of a 33-year-old son “My teenager calls me names I wouldn't repeat in front of anyone. It’s like living with someone who hates me,I feel ashamed saying that” - Parent of a 15-year-old “I never thought I’d have to protect myself emotionally from my own child. But here I am trying to keep my boundaries and stay sane” - Mum to a 28-year-old daughter These words reflect a growing reality for many families... a reality that often gets hidden behind closed doors. When verbal abuse comes from a stranger it’s unpleasant. When it comes from your own child , the one you’ve fed, cared for, worried over, and loved unconditionally - it can feel like a betrayal. Parents often experience a mix of emotions: Shock and disbelief – “How did it get to this?” Shame – “Am I the only one dealing with this?” Guilt – “What did I do wrong?” Fear or anxiety – Dreading the next conversation or interaction Loneliness – Feeling unable to share the experience without judgement You may also feel torn between wanting to keep the connection and needing to protect your emotional wellbeing. It’s often assumed that once children reach adulthood, their relationship with their parents will naturally shift into one of mutual respect. But this isn’t always the case. Some adult children continue (or begin) to speak to their parents in ways that are controlling, hurtful or emotionally volatile. These interactions may be laced with some kind of resentment, blame for past decisions or expectations of endless emotional or financial support. In these situations, many parents struggle with a sense of powerlessness. After all, you can’t “ground” a 30-year-old. But your emotional safety still matters and it’s okay to acknowledge when something isn’t right. You can love your child deeply and still feel the pain of being treated unkindly. You can want healing and still need space. You can seek support without shame. Even in the face of verbal abuse, your worth as a parent does not diminish. You are still deserving of respect, of peace and of a life where you’re not walking on eggshells in your own home or heart. If your child is speaking to you in ways that hurt. If you feel exhausted, blamed or disrespected, you are not overreacting. If you find yourself dreading their calls or presence, you are not alone. You can love your child and still take care of yourself. You are worthy of respect. You are allowed to feel safe. And you are not alone.