Image courtesy of Child Crime and Prevention Safety Center https://childsafety.losangelescriminallawyer.pro/kids-and-emotional-psychological-abuse.html
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/.
Originally posted 1/12/20
This series will continue next week with Part 3 – Physical Abuse
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More 
A little bit chilling to read, to be honest.
Both of my parents had their own share of struggles, but in my mother’s case, I think her unfulfilled dreams of traveling the world weighed on her heavily. As the years passed, I could sense a growing melancholy in her. It was as if time itself was slipping away, and with it, the chances she once envisioned for herself. I never fully understood it as a child, but looking back, I recognize that quiet sadness—the kind that settles in when one realizes that certain dreams may never come to pass.
Ironically, in their last years, our relationship improved dramatically, although these were the years after our ways had parted.
Thank you for sharing this, Hubert. I am deeply sorry for the pain you endured as a child, and immensely pleased at the progress you have made toward recovery.
I’ve been but lucky, Anna, having met the right people at the right time along the way. Sadly, many others were not so fortunate. 🙁
So true.
Thank you for speaking to this issue. God bless you, Anna!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Cindy.
An informative post, Anna. Sorry for disappearing; I’ve been having issues with my WordPress account! Hope you are well
Always good to hear from you, Ada. I’m sorry about your technical difficulties. I always joke that I could be intimidated by a toaster (LOL). Seriously, though the new format on WordPress had me flummoxed for awhile. Thankfully, I’ve managed to figure out how to do the basics.
Thank you Anna, for highlighting the importance of emotional abuse in families and its devastating effects on survivors.
The long term effects are an overlooked part of the tragedy.
Reading this, I am reliving the fifteen years of running the school. I can put names to these indicators.
You are such a loving woman, Dolly. I greatly admire you. ❤
This is mutual admiration society, dear Anna.
❤
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Thank you so much for raising awareness about this important topic of emotional abuse.
Lord, give us eyes to see and hearts to answer! Thank you for this list of warning signs, Anna.
Thank you for caring, Dora. ❤
There are adults who are quiet mannered and will not respond. Everyone is human. Abuse is from a tongue that is untrained.
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On Sun, Mar 2, 2025, 12:01 AM ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving
I am not sure I understand your comment. However, shyness and a quiet demeanor on the part of a parent have nothing to do w/ emotional abuse. Love does not have to be conveyed verbally. A smile or a hug from a parent can be priceless to a child.
Sadly, children will make excuses for a parent who is unresponsive to their needs or critical of their every action. This often takes the form of self-criticism w/ children feeling undeserving of love.
It’s just so heartbreaking to think about kids going through this, but by speaking out and educating ourselves, we can make a difference.
Yes, children need caring adults as advocates.
Indeed