Children As a Litmus Test: Are You Ignoring These Telling Signs of a Problem Parent?
The behavioral patterns of children are usually the best indication of the parent who is pulling the strings behind them.
Looking back at my childhood, the signs of neglect and emotional abuse were so obvious. Everything about me screamed, “I have a terrifying parent at home,” but all the adults around me just laughed it off. Maybe they assumed she was just strict. Most of them blamed me when the signs became problematic.
That’s one of the most infuriating parts to me, doing the work of recovering from my past. The majority of the adults in my life ignored the glaring signs of abuse that were emanating from my very core.
Everything I said and did was a reflection of what was going on at home. The stink that came off my clothes. The days that I missed from being ill. The way I chased perfection, and the way I was so wise beyond my years.
Children everywhere would be better served by proactive and engaged adults who address the reality. Men and women who aren’t afraid to admit when they see the signs of a problematic parent in action.