How witnessing domestic violence leads to a troubled childhood
Family is the first point of contact with the world for a child. Hence, the kind of family dynamic they are exposed to heavily affects the kind of person they grow up to be. The effects of a troubled childhood last well from childhood into adulthood. If a child comes from an unloving family, such child grows up to be a cold and isolated person. It may even affect their relationships as they tend to constantly give in to trauma bond healing.
The relationship between violence and troubled childhood
Children who grow up in violent homes end up as victims of a troubled childhood. They also pick up some bad habits and personality such as:
1. They become violent themselves
One of the major effects is that such children grow up to be violent themselves. This is either because too much exposure to violence makes it seem normal or they have just picked such a habit and it’s hard to let go. A great way to fix this is by constant therapy and mental health checks.
2. Constant impulsive decisions
Children from violent homes are often disoriented and impulsive. They are usually known as the kids in trouble. They lack parental guidance and as such are prone to making impulsive and bad decisions.
3. They lack problem solving skills
Children with troubled childhood find it hard to react rationally. Due to their early exposure to violence, an extreme kind of emotion, they become used to reacting emotionally all the time. Rather than face problems rationally with a view to creating solutions, they deal with problems emotionally, blowing things out of proportion and with no solution.
4. They find it hard to maintain a happy family
Having a troubled childhood mess one up. Not only does it shape your personality, it creates trauma that affects every aspect of your life. Some children grow up to be violent and abusive parents themselves. Others simply refuse to start a family due to fear of being like their parents.
What to do if you suffer the consequences of a troubled childhood
The first thing to do is to acknowledge the reason for your actions. Be ready to talk about your childhood and its effect on your wellbeing. Next is to open up to therapy and mental health checks.
Therapy helps figure out your triggers and the Do’s and Don’t that will ensure you don’t pass your trauma to your children.
Most importantly, give yourself credit and don’t be too hard on yourself. Healing is not a day job as it requires commitment and dedication. The end goal is to ensure that your troubled childhood does not affect your relationship with your family and children.
