Childhood emotional abuse is the deliberate or reckless infliction of emotional distress that significantly influences a child’s emotional development. This occurs most often in the home when a parent, caregiver, sibling, or parent behaves in a threatening, humiliating, and aggressive manner. It can range from abandonment to rejection, to constant criticism and lack of affection.

Identifying when a child is experiencing psychological abuse can be very difficult. The effects can be detrimental to the child who becomes a healthy and well-adjusted adult. An abused or emotionally neglected child may be slow to learn to walk and talk, to be passive and unable to remain spontaneous, to have difficulty developing intimate relationships, to be easily distracted and to have difficulties or problems. Bad results at school.

Children must be loved, loyal, disciplined, encouraged and protected by their loved ones. An important element of a child’s normal development is moral awareness, the acquisition of a sense of right and wrong, and the ability to follow the rules or norms. Children who grow up in an environment without love and constantly threatened often lack self-esteem, moral conscience, and remorse.

If you are worried about a child you know, you may be able to help him talk about it. However, it is not always easy for the child to talk to someone, especially if the person causing emotional distress is a parent or caregiver. If the child is at school, you can suggest speaking with a teacher. The child may feel more comfortable talking to someone who sees regularly. You can also contact the school or local social services for more information and advice.

If you know the parents or caregiver well, you can also talk to them and suggest ways to help them. Many parents can treat their children inappropriately because they are stressed and feel they are losing control. You may suggest talking with a health visitor who could help you if you have difficulty managing a home with children.