Critique the Criticism

Skeeter’s mother was a mix of Hilly and Elizabeth. She is constantly critiquing Skeeter, just like Elizabeth does to Mae Mobley. However it was more affectionate and a bit more sympathetic. However, overall, I found her to be an unsympathetic character. The way she treated Constantine was unforgivable and she was not supportive of Skeeter. 

I believe that a mother should always be supportive of her children. In the article "Can Supportive Moms Enhance Your Brain" is has been found that a nurturing parent can enhance the development of a growing child. Children who's mothers comforted them in a time of stress were found to have a smaller rate of depression later on in life. 


There is one distinct point in the novel where Skeeter's mother is supportive, and it is very hypercritical. She tells Skeeter not to let a boy change her. Throughout the novel, however, Skeeter's mother is pressuring Skeeter to change for men. In my opinion, there needs to be a mix of support and criticism to make a good mother. We are constantly hearing of a mother who is over critical, or not encouraging her child enough. A mother has been through all the experiences which her child may or may not experience as well. Instead of the word criticize, I would you critique. By critiquing the things a child may do, you are instilling a positive outcome. Criticizing may be interpreted as judgement, which a child should never receive. 

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_supportive_moms_enhance_your_brain