Understanding Child Development

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Emotional neglect is defined not by what happened, but by what was missing.

The absence of words, attention, and validation can shape you for life.

Many people can name what hurt them but struggle to name what they needed.

What do you wish your parents had said to you?

Recently, I posted this question on my Facebook page, and I got many thoughtful and heartfelt responses. The quotes below are a direct sampling of them.

You have a right to your feelings, and the right to be heard and have them considered.

How do you feel? What do you want? I will help you figure life out.

Anything much. I don’t remember being talked to at all.

I love you. You are enough. I am proud of you.

There is nothing wrong with who you are.

Do you want to talk about it? You look upset.

My love for you is unconditional.

There’s nothing in this world you cannot do. So stand up, shoulders back, and go out there.

I wish they meant what they said.

That I was beautiful.

You can make mistakes, and I will not think any less of you. You don’t have to be perfect.

Don’t be scared. It will be alright. Things will go wrong, but it doesn’t matter. We’re all the same.

It’s OK to get angry/sad/mad.

Anything that wasn’t emotional abuse … anything that........

© Psychology Today