Frightened child, Author Jean-Francois Gornet, Paris, Source Selfie Velib, Originally Posted to Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0 Generic)
Emotional abuse is an underrated form of abuse, but no less damaging for that.
The warning signs of emotional abuse include the following [1]:
- A child who exhibits a lack of attachment to the parent.
- A child who is delayed in physical or emotional development, unrelated to an identifiable medical or psychological condition.
- A child who is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children) or inappropriately infantile (constantly rocking or head-banging, for example).
- A child who exhibits behavioral extremes (acute passivity or serious aggression; demanding behavior or abject compliance).
- A child who attempts suicide.
The parent who rejects his/her child will constantly blame, belittle, or berate that child. The parent unconcerned about his/her child’s well-being may refuse offers of help for that child’s school problems.
On the other hand, a parent can be so self-involved that his/her child becomes little more than a pawn for manipulation.
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[1] Prevent Child Abuse America, “Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know”, https://preventchildabuse.org/resource/recognizing-child-abuse-what-parents-should-know/.
This series will continue next week with Part 3 – Physical Abuse
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
No one can undermine the effects of emotional abuse …it can happen to even the most seemingly contented and happy individual. I realized that after a wrote a book on abuse and violence and it is really wonderful that you highlighted it here.
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Anna, you remain ever vigilant for all seeking answers that will guide them down the right path. Blessings.
Thank you for being so supportive, Lance. You are, yourself, a blessing.
Anna, it is a wonderful pleasure!
Thanks for posting this Anna. I grew up with a mother who was a narcissist and a father who was a World War II vet who was emotionally distant at best. So, this list of symptoms is quite familiar for me. something that has happened in my life that has made the difference is finding Jesus Christ as a very real person who loves me, cares about me and wants me to know his Father and His love just as He does. For me this has been an uphill battle because of the way I was raised. Thanks for the love and carrying you share with all of us.
Michael❤
Thank you for sharing your story, Michael. I know what a concerned heart you have for others. Like you, I was rescued by Christ. He has made all the difference in my life. ❤
Amen, my dear sister!
Sadly, so much of my youth was spent dealing with much of what you have listed here Anna. All the more reasons why in a million lifetimes I could never deny the existence of God, for it was God and God alone who called to me from the depths of such despair and anguish. While we know counseling can do wonders, there is nothing quite like the comfort one finds in the arms of a loving Savior.
I so appreciate you my friend.
Like you, I have had firsthand experience w/ emotional abuse, Ron. My father had tremendous anger issues when we were young. I would not have believed the healing possible through Christ, had I not experienced it. I pray that, above all else, the message of Christ’s love is what readers take away from this blog.
And I so appreciate you, my friend! I am sure it was through His grace our paths crossed. 🙂
This is probably the most common form of abuse. It is easy to overlook and often goes unreported.
Anna, Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thank you for reading, Gbolabo. ❤
Thank you for these helping information alot of people do not know that they abuse certain children’s rights but if they read these, definitely they will learn alot.
Great post Anna,
I believe emotional abuse is overlooked as well.
Possibly this is why cutting, anger, and depression are are so prevalent among youth. Parents may take their children to counseling for behavior issues, until the counselor points to the parent(s) and they become offended. Sadly so many never find hope in Jesus Christ and discover He can change their life.
Christ is where the real hope lies. Unfortunately, schools can no longer point those in need toward Him.
Very informative. 👍Do follow me also to see my latest posts 😊
I enjoy your sweet stories, Dulcy. 🙂
Thanks 😊