Sheryl A. Martinez: Take care not to ‘cripple’ children
This is a cultural war particularly when it comes to our youth. Children learn their daily needs will be taken care of by caring parents. The bonding process is normal, except when the parent doesn’t take care of the child. This usually happens with drug and alcohol abusers.
Bonding can also be interrupted by divorces. When their bonding needs aren’t met, children become untrusting and anti-social. These lonely children suffer from reactive attachment disorder. Children have special rights. All children. Children learn to love the moment they are born.
The old saying “children should be seen and not heard” is inaccurate. Children have feelings; they need to be heard and seen. Children have rights, feelings and opinions; they want to speak from the heart. As children and families go through our court system, children are hurt, feeling lonely and confused. Children have every right to speak up about divorce and visitations. Children want to feel special and loved; they need many hugs. Just as we do, our children deserve our ears to listen. The hearts of children can be crippled. Yes, a heart can be crippled.
Sheryl A. Martinez, Merced
This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Sheryl A. Martinez: Take care not to ‘cripple’ children."