Emotional incest is a common style of parenting, where adults turn to their children for emotional support, instead of seeking the help of their partners or other peers.
This is a heavy burden for a child, and the results may include depression, chronic anxiety, low self-esteem, poor relationship skills, loose or rigid personal boundaries, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, & drug/alcohol addiction.
There are many different types of emotional abuse when it comes to children. They include:
Since emotional abuse leaves no physical scars, it can be hard to diagnose, treat, or prevent. Some children show no signs of abuse, which makes it harder still. However, with the right knowledge, results of abuse can be spotted early on so that the harmful behavior can be stopped. These effects include insecurity, poor self-esteem, violent acting out (such as fire setting or cruelty to animals), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships.
Following is a chart listing some of the behaviors of early childhood, and when you can expect to see them in your child. Obviously every child is different, & some may be quick to learn new activities while others lag behind. There really is no right or wrong time, but its important that everyone learn at their own pace.
Helping parents to understand what behaviors are expected & reasonable for their child may help to prevent emotional abuse, specifically unrealistic expectations.
