Why were Judd’s parents mean?

Comment:

Your book was amazing we just finished reading your book Shiloh it was amazing. Bot one question I have is why were Judd`s parents so mean to him? But your book was amazing and are whole fourth grade class loved it.

Phyllis replied:

So often, when parents mistreat their child, it’s because they also had a very difficult childhood and their own parents were mean to them.  Sometimes parents just have so many problems of their own that they take their anger and disappointment out on their children.  It takes a special person to say to himself, “I don’t want to turn out like my own parents, so I’m going to show kindness and love to my children, the way I wish my parents had been to me.”