If you are an adult who was neglected, please know that you can find your true sense of self and worthiness. You don’t have to take counsel from the wounded parents who treated you badly. You can define yourself, and live and model a different kind of life and parenting style with your own children.
This starts with working on your personal trauma and getting it processed. Don’t go it alone; get help when needed and don’t minimize the pain. You may think it is too selfish or self-absorbed to discuss your feelings, but they will catch up to you in the long run.
As Alice Miller said: “I have never known a patient to portray his parents more negatively than he actually experienced them in childhood but always more positively — because idealization of his parents was essential for his survival.”
She added, “Wherever I look, I see signs of the commandment to honor one’s parents and nowhere of a commandment that calls for the respect of a child.”
Related: 8 Things You Can Relate To If You Were Emotionally Neglected As A Child
Take a moment to think about how it feels when someone truly believes in you and validates your needs and feelings. Empathy is the greatest gift to give and receive.
Want to know more about the effects of childhood neglect, especially, childhood emotional neglect on adults? Check this video out below!
Author of: Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers and Will I Ever Be Free of You? How to Navigate a High-Conflict Divorce from a Narcissist and Heal Your Family
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karyl@drmcbride.com
www.willieverbegoodenough.com
www.karylmcbridephd.com
Childhood trauma and childhood emotional neglect can sometimes have far-reaching consequences on a child’s mind. The best way to make sure that this does not happen to your child is by giving them abundant attention and showing a lot of empathy. How you treat them now, can heavily influence their future.
Written By Karyl McBride, Ph.D., LMFT Printed with Permission
