Emotional abuse is considered as a silent killer
yet it can be easily overlooked and stays in the background of a child’s
life. Read on to learn about the things parents should know about
emotional abuse so that they can save their children from any such
problem.
Emotional abuse,
psychological or mental abuse, happens little by little overtime and
this makes the self-confidence, self-worth, self-concept, ideas and
perceptions of the person wear away. Emotional abuse of a
child is the repeated emotional mistreatment that causes
severe and/or continues adverse effects on the emotional development of
the child.
If parents are aware of the signs of
emotional abuse, they can intervene on time and make a huge difference
in their child’s life. The most important thing is that physical abuse
leaves scars that can be seen, but emotional abuse is more than bruises
or scars.
Remember, neglecting your child, ignoring
her needs, leaving her in dangerous situations, putting her unsupervised
or making your child feel stupid or worthless also comes under
emotional abuse. No matter what kind of emotional abuse your child
suffers, it will ultimately have serious emotional harm on
her.
Things Parents Should Know About Child’s
Emotional Abuse
Here are some
things which parents should know about the emotional abuse of
children.
1. Emotional Abuse is a Silent
Killer
Parents should not consider
emotional abuse as something that will automatically wade away just
because it does not include any violence. Well, the fact is that neglect
and emotional abuse are more damaging.
2.
Child Abuse Happens in All Kinds of
Families
Some parents stay relaxed that
just because they are from a renowned family, their children are safe.
There are many so called good families having completely different
stories behind their doors.
3. Child Abuse
is Not Always Intentional
Many parents
unknowingly parent in the way they have been brought up. Many have been
victims of abuse themselves and they do not even know any other way of
parenting
as well. Some even suffer from mental problem or substance abuse which
reflects in their parenting and ultimately results in severe emotional
damage to their children.
4. All Abuses are
Not By Strangers
Usually parents believe
that children suffer from abuse only from outsiders or strangers. Recent
studies have revealed that majority of the emotional abuse cases have
been from family members.
5. Abuse Not
Always Results in Making the Sufferer
Abuser
The child suffering from abuse is
more likely to repeat the same thing when she grows up. However, there
are many child abuse survivors who try to protect their children and do
not let their children go through what they had to suffer. They become
excellent
parents.
Recognizing
Abuse
It is often difficult for people to
identify that they are being abused especially when it has been a part
of their life for years. Children start believing that it is their fault
and they always keep their parents’ expectations devastated. The most
important thing is that emotional abuse can constantly damage a child’s
mental health affecting social development and leaving
psychological scars forever.
Examples of Emotional Child
Abuse
Here are some of the
negative parenting habits which can be termed as emotional abuse of
children.
1. Neglecting or
Rejecting
Many parents show in many ways to
a child that he or she is unwanted like calling names, telling that
child that she is worthless, blaming the child for sibling
problems and many more. Some examples
are:
Harsh criticism
Labelling
Belittling
Name
calling
Yelling or screaming at the
child
Humiliation
Teasing the child of her
disabilities
Refusing to give physical touch and
attention
Locking kids out of the house as
punishment
2. Ignoring
Usually
adults whose emotional needs have not been met do not know how to meet
the needs of their children. They do not show any attachment for the
child and often provide negative nurturing. They often fail to recognize
the child’s presence as well.
3.
Terrorizing
Many parents use threats, yell
and curse their children which ultimately do severe psychological damage
to their children. This can be horrifying the child or others in front
of the child.
4.
Isolating
Many parents isolate one of the
children from others or prevent them from participating in any
extracurricular activities. Even encouraging a child to reject friends
or social contacts and invitations also come under emotional
abuse.
5.
Exploiting
Giving a child responsibility
that is greater than the child’s age or capability is
abusive.
What to Do If Child is Emotionally
Abused?
If your child suffers
from stomach aches, bedwetting, difficulty in sleeping, shows signs of
scratching or bruising, you should get alert. Extreme cases of emotional
abuse can be identified if the child seems excessively withdrawn,
frightened or anxious or shows signs of extremes in her
behaviour.
There is no need to panic, but you should
ask your child softly what is disturbing her. Most of the kids are
afraid of being criticized and they hide anything that is going on in
their lives. Take steps to stop the abuse as early as possible. Provide
reassurance and unconditional
support.
What is emotional abuse?
What can lead to emotional abuse of children? How to avoid emotionally
abusing children? Discuss
here.
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