Emotional effects of abuse on children

[Bomisope]

Fortunately, I have never been in a situation like that so I'm can't be completely sure of how accurate this is, however, I do believe different people would react and cope to the situation in different ways. The author has done a good job of showing how each character in this home deals with it differently and that is an accurate portrayal of any shared traumatic experience.

So true, as the saying "different stroke for different folks". People react differently and the author did justice to the different reactions portrayed by the characters.

[kwame1977]

Our society gets it share of the trauma in future when children are abused. The memories of the ordeal they pass through remains with them and some grow to become violent. They see it as a normal way of life. Stop child abuse!

[crediblereading2]

I actually believe that the author was correct in depicting the effects of abuse having diverse impacts on each child. This is reflective of what happens in society. Not everyone reacts the same to abuse.

[Jesscar6]

I think she did.
Every situation will affect children differently though and every family copes with abuse differently, but she was pretty good with portraying the affects on them.

[Booklover128]

Like several others have said, I believe that the author did a better job of portraying the effect of abuse realistically in contrast to the stereotypical family which sticks together no matter what which is what other authors may have done. An analogy involving a glass bottle comes to mind, when broken some shatter into a thousand pieces and some become a weapon with their jagged edges, it just depends on where the pressure was being applied and moreover to whom. In this case, Shirley is the weapon and Robyn the victim who is falling apart. I also appreciated the fact the author chose a young girl (Shirley) to portray as the character who had the vicious streak rather than the overused male boy as it is just as probable in situations similar to the one described in the book.

[Eileen R]

I appreciate that the author actually talked about the subject of abuse in children. Some authors would shy away from the topic. I do believe that she actually gave an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children.Abuse affects people in different ways and i think that the author captured this.

[kina]

I think so, yes. Children have such diverse reactions to abuse, and those seen in the sisters have been seen in real child victims of abuse many times.

[CheyenneR]

I think that the author does give an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse. Every child will deal with it differently and I think she showed that well with each child in the Chapman family.

[dhomespot]

I think the effects of abuse are not always as noticeable as what was written in the book. We learn so much everyday, a different indicator of abuse.

[Makena Mugendi]

I am fortunate not to have experience abuse, but for those who have, I pray that one day you will overcome this traumatic experience and be totally freed and healed from this.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

Oh, I am not a victim of abuse. I just went to the seminar for the education. We volunteer in church, so our youth Pastor gave us invitations. I thought it was important, so I went. That is all. I'm sorry that it sounded that way. I was just saying my opinion, based off of what I learned.
Thank you though!

[Katherine Smith]

I think that childhood abuse effects children in a variety of ways. Some will shy away from social interaction and retract from the world. Others will become more aggressive and rebel against authority figures. It depends on the child and the variety of ways that this abuse is manifested in the children are realistic.

[MrsCatInTheHat]

While Natalie is the central figure of the book, I found it fascinating to see the interactions of all the children. Robyn, who wets the bed; Shirley, who has a vicious mean streak; and Natalie, trying to hold them all together. Do you think the author gives an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children?

I thought her portrayal was very active. I have taught children who were abused in some way and they often display the types of behaviors you mention. Often, an older sibling or other family member ends up the caretaker, even if not officially, rather than the parents.

[stacie k]

While Natalie is the central figure of the book, I found it fascinating to see the interactions of all the children. Robyn, who wets the bed; Shirley, who has a vicious mean streak; and Natalie, trying to hold them all together. Do you think the author gives an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children?

I do believe that the author gave an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children. Natalie, Robyn, and Shirley exhibited distinct signs of living in an abusive household. Bullying, angry outbursts, withdrawal, bitterness, and the drive to succeed and escape are a few examples of the unwanted fruits of abuse, but there are many more.

[slori0488]

While Natalie is the central figure of the book, I found it fascinating to see the interactions of all the children. Robyn, who wets the bed; Shirley, who has a vicious mean streak; and Natalie, trying to hold them all together. Do you think the author gives an honest portrayal of the effects of abuse in children?

I feel Linnane gave an accurate portrayal of the effects of abuse in the children. We all know everyone responds differently to everything they're exposed to and abuse is no different. Shirley having a mean streak is a pretty typical response. It's a way to protect herself. Giving off a tough exterior, acting as though she isn't afraid of anyone and can handle anything. In contrast, Robyn wetting the bed shows how vulnerable and scared she is. Natalie trying to hold everyone together shows her motherly instinct to protect everyone. However, I feel her relationship with Mr. Grover shows her own need for love and protection.

[AnitaM]

Thankfully, I have no personal experience of abuse. However, I believe the effects can vary depending on the nature of the abuse, personality of the individual, and many other factors and experiences. Children are very vulnerable and I thought the author captured this well.