1) Abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual); 2) Neglect (physical or emotional); and 3) Household dysfunction (mental illness, domestic violence, divorce, incarcerated relative, substance abuse).
Dealing with adversity if it happens is an important part of a healthy childhood, but when healthy relationships are not available for the child, these stressful experiences can have lifelong consequences.
Having meals together, reading a book together, and playing card games can be great experiences for children and create positive childhood experiences.
I’m a huge proponent of taking care of your mental health, so I always remind my friends that I will be their support system no matter what they’re going through and without judgment.