"In her latest book, Garten describes her doctor father as being both physically and mentally abusive, sharing, "He'd hit me or pull me around by my hair" if she didn't live up to his standard. Both parents could be described as authoritarian, and she described her childhood as having very little warmth, with all the focus on achievement and academics."
""In our house, my brother and I had one job-to excel academically, which meant that we spent most of our time alone, in our rooms, doing homework." Garten even said that her toys as a child were all geared toward learning, with no emphasis on just having fun or being creative. The "Barefoot Contessa" star recalled that her favorite toy, a tea set gifted to her great uncle, was her only non-learning toy; ultimately, that tea set had the most significant impact on her."
Ina Garten experienced physical and mental abuse from her father, including being hit or pulled by the hair when she failed to meet expectations. Both parents acted authoritarian and prioritized achievement and academics, leaving little warmth in the household. Toys focused on learning rather than play; a tea set from a great uncle was the only non-learning toy and became especially meaningful. Garten was not allowed to cook while living at home and began cooking after marriage. Her grandmother, Bessie Rosenberg, provided warmth and loving meals, often overcooked and underseasoned, offering contrast to her parents' rigidity.
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