“Emotional abuse kills. The abuse might not be physical but being constantly wounded emotionally eventually wears out the heart and the body.”(Folaranmi)
Bruises hurt, but what about bruises and scars that hurt your soul and no one can notice it. These scars belong to your past and the most memorable and unforgettable part of the past is your childhood. Imagine being smacked day by day by cruel or offensive judgements or statements. These statements/opinions/views and harsh comments badly effect your inner peace, and you can not perform your daily tasks completely and flawlessly.
Any planned or willing harm (ill treatment or damage to health or development) to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. This abuse can be medical, physical, sexual and emotional. Emotional abuse is worse far then your thinking. Emotional child abuse means mistreating a child in a way that can harm their self-esteem and confidence. Some examples of emotional child abuse are:
1. Neglecting.
2. Ignoring.
3. Openly disliking.
4. Applying extreme punishment.
5. Showing fewer expectations.
6. Continually comparing with others.
7. Belittling and mocking.
If a child is showing inappropriate behaviour or showing a behaviour that is little bit too mature for his age then it is truly possible that he/she is facing some unusual incidents in his life. The child might show:
1. Defiant, hostile or aggressive behaviour.
2. Hiding food for later.
3. Taking money without permission.
4. Low self-esteem.
5. Desire to hurt himself.
So, for the sake of flourishing and success full life of your children, you must have to adopt flexible, supportive and appreciative behaviour. Treat your child in a manner that is helpful and productive for his mental and physical development. For being a confident and remarkable person, your childhood must be free of any kind of abuse.
Not all parents intentionally neglect or abused their child. Sometimes we don't know that our words, behaviour and actions are harming someone’s self-esteem. So give attention to your child, listen and understand him/her, do not neglect him/her, appreciate and motivate him/her and do not adopt an offensive behaviour that harm your child’s self esteem and dignity.
“Children’s exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences is the greatest unaddressed public health threat of our time.” (Robert W. Block).