In a candid interview on Vikerraadio's show "Käbi ei kuku…", musician Gerli Padar-Parmas discussed her challenging childhood, which was deeply influenced by the violence and alcoholism stemming from her father and later her stepfather. Gerli expressed that she has little memory of her early years, indicating that significant trauma may have contributed to those gaps in memory. She also emphasized the inseparability of her childhood memories from her brother Tanel, with whom she shares a close bond due to their similar experiences growing up in a turbulent environment.

Gerli reflected on her relationship with her biological father, who was largely absent from her life, as he was often harsh and gave off an impression that their presence disturbed him. This lack of warmth led to feelings of insecurity during her formative years, ultimately creating an environment filled with fear rather than that of a nurturing family. Tragically, her father passed away in a car accident when Gerli was just nine years old, further complicating her emotional landscape.

When sharing her experiences of physical discipline, Gerli revealed how familiar she is with it, mentioning that the abuse escalated over time. Initially, she faced spankings and subsequently was subjected to more severe forms of punishment, which paints a distressing picture of her upbringing. Her willingness to share these painful memories illustrates not only her personal journey but also highlights the broader implications of childhood trauma and its long-reaching impact on individuals and their relationships, particularly in how it has shaped her and her brother's lives decisively.