A mother often feels deep pain when her child expresses negative emotions, especially words like "I hate you." This reaction can bring about a strong sense of failure and helplessness, as mothers invest so much into nurturing their children. When faced with such harsh feelings, it's difficult for a mother to separate personal worth from her child's feelings, leading to emotional turmoil.

This quote from Mary Alice Monroe's book, The Four Seasons, captures the vulnerability and emotional complexity of motherhood. Despite their best efforts, mothers may feel unappreciated or misunderstood, which highlights the challenges in the parent-child relationship. Understanding this dynamic helps in recognizing the emotional weight that comes with parenting.