Good article!
My mother has been dead for awhile, but her imprint on my thinking about myself is very much alive.
Growing up she would occasionally compliment my achievements, but yank away praise if she was in a mood to. It was like she would dangle praises to to see how I would do anything to get that pat on the back. I knew she was playing mind games with me, but I willing "to sell my soul" to get her approval.