Is it normal that my dad was mean growing up?

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If he's still around, just go over to his house and kick the sh*t outta him. Child abuse is very wrong.

It is normal. He lied because he knew he was doing wrong, it's called abuse.. Don't repeat it when you have kids, you can break the cycle. If you want to confront him and don't live with him go for it. My Dad denied everything so it may not get you anywhere, but then again you whooping his ass might help too.. Clear your mind it would and give yourself a chance to start a real relationship with him if that's what you want. As far as when you have kids don't torment them seperate yurself form them until they calm down . Read books on abuse to help you. I took a psychology course.I use to put mine in a room and allow them to come out when they stop fussing.. I never thought I'd see 17 the way my Dad hit on me and for no reason, just a bad day. My brother got it much worse but we in the end after much self destruction came out okay... good luck....

You were a victim of child abuse. No doubt about that. I think both of your reactions are normal: that you would feel 1) angry & hurt to this day; and, 2) that you would want to just let it go and get on with life.

You do have every reason to feel angry: you were mistreated and he was incredibly unfair. If you feel counseling might help, go for it. Self care too, to feel good (exercise, diet,etc.).

Just suggestions. I hope you do not in any way blame yourself for the abuse and put it all back where it belongs: on the shoulders of a poor excuse for a father.

Sounds like child abuse

he seems to have issues im sorry just know it wasnt ur fault

your dad sounds like an arsehole .. if i was you i would find someone to talk to about this stuff if u havent already because keeping it bottled up will only make u feel worse

You Were A Victim Of Child Abuse!
If You Had Known You Should Have Told Your Mum And She Should Have Ran Away With You, Contacted Social Services So This Guy Could Never Find Out Your Whereabouts.
It's Not Too Late To Go To Court And Explain All Of These Unlawful Events That Have Happened In Your Past

Being angry with him is Normal.

Thinking that you are just "being a baby" because of your feeling about him is Not Normal. It's not right to reprimand yourself about some feelings you are having as a result of how an adult negatively treated you as a child. His abuse has affected your core beliefs about yourself. You will need some therapy to shake loose the years of psychological abuse you suffered from your dad as a child.

It happens alot with fathers I guess. My dad used to burn me with ciggs and was a drunk. He cleaned up when I was around 12 so I forgave him but the memories are still there. Do your best to move on and try not to find a guy whose exactly like him either...

"i should stop being a baby" - are you kidding. I'm a cop and i often deal with domestic disturbances / child protection issues and i NEVER just get used to dealing with it. It saddens me when i hear about this kind of thing and it always will no matter how many times i hear about it. My dad was a bully, not so much physically (mostly verbal / phsycological). Your dad is an overbearing violent bully. The fact that you even consider that you shud stop being a baby is down to the confidence that he knocked out of you for years. i.e you question yourself regarding most things these days.
It's a shame all round because your Dad will end up being a lonely sad old man, which is what he deserves. He's lucky he's not in jail.

it's normal for an abusive family life (i'm not someone who uses that word lightly - i don't think general spanking is "abuse"). it's not right, and quite illegal (depending on what country you're in). your feelings are completely normal, and you shouldn't feel bad about being angry with him. personally, i wouldn't want anything to do with him or your mom, and i'd consider looking into therapy (though it's really difficult to find a good therapist).