Ten ways that your feelings may have been invalidated as a child ### Introduction Childhood is a fundamental period in the formation of **mental health** and **emotional growth**. During these years, we learn how to recognize our emotions, express them, and adjust to the reactions of others. But when the child's emotions are ignored or denied, **the foundations of self-knowledge and self-esteem** are damaged in the following years. This neglect can fall like a veil over our "real self" and make it difficult to find our inner interests and needs. In fact, many **adult emotional and communication problems** are rooted in these childhood experiences. In the following, you will read ten examples of the most common methods of discrediting emotions in childhood: ### 1. Pretending to listen without actually paying attention When parents seem to listen to the child but their mind is elsewhere, the child gradually comes to believe that their feelings are unimportant and not worth hearing. ### 2. Ignoring problems or disabilities When a child's learning disability, anxiety, or concentration problems are ignored, they feel inadequate and learn to hide their issues; The result is a sense of shame and self-concealment in adulthood. ### 3. Mistaking the role of parent with the role of friend A parent who sets aside boundaries and becomes overly close inadvertently robs the child of a sense of security and direction. Instead of calmness, the child experiences **emotional confusion**. ### 4. Ignore emotions completely When a child's sadness, anger, or fear is not taken seriously, he learns that his feelings are dangerous or worthless. The result is emotional suppression and emotional numbness in the future. ### 5. Remaining unanswered is the need to be seen and heard One of the most basic psychological needs of a child is to feel that his presence is important. When parents ignore this need, the child internalizes **feelings of worthlessness and rejection**. ### 6. Silence about important events If important events such as death, illness or divorce become a "forbidden topic", the child is left alone with **anxiety and silent mourning** and is deprived of emotional support. ### 7. Distorting or projecting emotions Answers like "too sensitive" or "don't whine" destroy the child's trust in his feelings and make him **discredit his inner understanding** as an adult. ### 8. Giving the adult role to the child When a child is forced to take care of their parents' feelings or take on their emotional responsibilities, they **lose their childhood** and suffer premature mental exhaustion. ### 9. Being shamed for having needs Sayings like "you want too much" or "be shy" carry a dangerous message: that neediness is wrong. The result is an adult who **can't express his needs**. ### 10. Direct denial of feelings Statements like "You shouldn't feel this way" are an obvious form of gaslighting. This behavior causes a person to separate from his feelings and doubt himself. ### Summary Emotional invalidation in childhood is a hidden but profound experience that affects self-confidence, emotional relationships, and adult decision-making. Recognizing these patterns is the first step for **treating childhood emotional wounds**. With the help of a therapist, practicing emotional self-awareness, and relearning healthy communication, you can trust your feelings again and **reclaim your true self**. **Materials related to this article:** Six characteristics of toxic parents Courage in work and personal relationships: how to express our desire without creating tension?