They were usually separated and usually never came back together.
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If members of a slave family were sold, they would be separated from each other and sent to different plantations or owners. This separation was common during the time of slavery and caused immense emotional distress and trauma to the individuals involved. Families were often torn apart with little regard for their bonds or relationships.
One consequence of the domestic slave trade was the separation of families, as enslaved individuals were often bought and sold independently from one another, tearing apart family units. This led to trauma, loss of kinship ties, and disrupted cultural connections among enslaved communities.
Slave owners used physical punishment, such as whipping, to instill fear and force obedience among slaves. They also used psychological tactics, such as threats of separation from family members or promises of reward, to control their behavior and compliance.
The child slave likely called their mother by her name, "mother," or a term of endearment if possible. Communication and contact among family members were restricted in many instances, so the child may have used any opportunity to show love and connection to their mother.
Two notable abolitionists who grew up in slave-owning families in South Carolina were Angelina Grimké and Sarah Grimké. They were sisters who became outspoken advocates for the abolition of slavery, as well as women's rights. Their experiences growing up in a slave-owning household influenced their decision to work against the institution of slavery.
The age of the youngest slave varied, but children as young as a few months old were sometimes enslaved. It was not uncommon for babies and young children to be taken from their families and forced into slavery.