Emotional trauma
My attention was captured by Stephanie, a 6-year-old girl who tripped over her steps, shouting, “Leave me alone!” over her grandmother’s shoulder. “You stupid child, you cannot even step into the bus,” her grandmother screamed back. “You need to get home and figure out something bright which you can use in school tomorrow,” Stephanie turned, and our eyes met. She gave me a broad smile; her expressions did not communicate the emotional trauma she was experiencing. She was neatly dressed and wore a beautiful jacket and uniquely designed clothes. Her outward appearance denied her reality; her grandmother belittled her and continually robbed her self-worth. The smile eased my reaction and was able to invite her over to my seat. Her annoyed grandmother did not mind where the kid sat.
Stephanie is among other children who undergo emotional trauma. The next two kids who ‘boarded wore thin cardigans and had uncombed hair. One child had a split lip, and the other had a bruised eye. Upon inquiry, the two boys gave a natural gesture and said that they had fallen on the stairs. The situation needs to be reported, but it was never because the children believed that authorities would not do much about it. These children, among others in the state, have forced to live with their grandparents as an outcome of homelessness, split families, overindulgence, and homosexual parents, among other factors. The outcome of their mistreatment results in feeling rejected and significant depreciation in their abilities and talents.
Neglect comes in many forms. Family values are established based on a sense of disregard. Family meals need to inspire unity and love. Guardians do not get children training as much as the discipline fractures children’s competence, sense of belonging, and worth. Abuse and neglect of Stephanie left me, questioning the distorted gratitude of the gift of children.