Emotional neglect can happen when a child’s emotional needs are repeatedly missed, dismissed, minimised, ignored, or left unsupported. This may happen in families where there is obvious difficulty, such as conflict, addiction, illness, grief, trauma, overwhelm, or instability. But it can also happen in families that look quite functional from the outside.

Many mothers are told, “Don’t take it personally.” There may be some truth in that. Adolescents are often caught in their own developmental struggle. Their moods, reactions, and distancing are not always a fair reflection of who you are or what you have given. But it can still feel personal.

Can we really heal ourselves? A healing environment is not only about clean food, fresh air, movement, or rest, though these may be important. It is also about the emotional and relational atmosphere we live in.