Childhood should be about scraped knees and how to ride a bicycle, but how does one cope when the injuries are much more than a bandage can heal? A staggering 63% of U.S. adults experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, with emotional abuse topping the list at 34.5%. These little childhood experiences can have a ripple effect on life and may have a long-term influence on mental health, mental abilities, and general well-being.
Studies indicate that childhood trauma is associated with severe problems such as depression and anxiety, and even with chronic diseases in adulthood. What appears harmless or insignificant when one is young could silently influence a person’s future in various ways.
We will examine 14 of these seemingly innocent experiences and the factors that render them so harmful.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse does not only involve the obvious acts such as hitting or shaking. It may be something that most people shrug off, such as a spanking here and there. In the U.S, physical abuse constituted about 17 percent of all cases of child maltreatment in 2023. Even seemingly trivial physical violence will destroy the feeling of safety of a child.
It causes a toxic stress state, which may even damage their growing brain. Children who are physically abused tend to develop problems of aggression, anxiety, and depression in the future.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is a silent disease. It has been estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the U.S will have it. It may be as simple as unwanted touching or more extreme exploitation. This type of trauma drastically predisposes the individual to PTSD, drug addiction, and even suicide in the future.
It is such a secret with children because of the shame or fear about it, and it isn’t easy to notice. Providing a safe space in which children can feel free to express themselves is among the most valuable things we can offer.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is sneaky. It is the endless criticism, denial, or verbal jabs that depress a child. Think of a child who has been told he is useless whenever he does something wrong. Eventually, they begin to believe it.
Such abuse destroys self-esteem and creates a situation where a child is unable to control his or her feelings. Although there are no apparent scars, the injury to the developing brain of a child is profound. Part of that damage is reversible through therapy and support.
Physical neglect
Physical neglect is when a child does not get the necessities of food, shelter, or medical treatment. It is the prevalent and lethal kind of child maltreatment, accounting for almost 76.1% of child abuse fatalities in 2020.
A hungry child or one who is not taken to the doctor whenever they are ill will have developmental delays and poor health. They may be more susceptible to psychological problems caused by chronic neglect that disrupts brain development.
Emotional neglect
Emotional neglect is the absence of what a child needs to feel loved by their caregiver. Not what a parent does, but what they do not do. Consider a child who excels academically but is not recognized or rewarded by their parents.
They feel invisible. This may lead to attachment and social skills issues, as well as feelings of worthlessness. Such children end up becoming adults with depression and anxiety problems.
Divorce, death of a parent
A child may feel like their world is falling apart when there is a change in a family structure due to a separation, divorce, or the death of a parent. The events come with a lot of stress and insecurity.
Studies indicate that children experiencing this are more vulnerable to emotional and school problems. These scenarios are not new, but approaching them with sensitivity and support can be critical to minimizing the damaging effects of these situations.
Domestic violence
Being raised in a family that is a victim of domestic violence puts a child in constant fear and trauma. Just being exposed to the violence is harmful, even when the child is not the focus.
It raises their risks of PTSD, acting violently, and experiencing a difficult time controlling their emotions. Everyone must receive therapeutic assistance and have a safety plan.
Exposure to death or trauma
When a child witnesses a death, a suicide, or violence, they can become psychologically damaged permanently. An example of this is when a child observes a terrible car crash; he or she may experience nightmares and extreme anxiety over several years.
This type of trauma may interfere with their development. They can be helped to heal by providing supportive counseling and a safe area where they can grieve what they have witnessed.
Household mental illness/suicidality
The presence of a mentally ill or suicidal family member makes the life of a child living with them highly unstable. It may cause constant stress and insecurity. This child may develop anxiety or be unable to trust people.
Seeking mental health treatment as a family is so significant.
Exploitation and coercion
Exploitation is any action of putting a child into an abusive situation, such as child labor or being forced into having sex. This undermines a child’s belief and self-worth.
Such children face a great danger of developing mental health issues throughout life and falling into risky behaviors later in life. This devastating cycle can be broken by using protective programs that empower children.
Serious accidents or life-threatening illnesses
Experiencing a serious accident or a life-threatening disease can be extremely traumatic to a child. It can terrify them and leave them feeling helpless, a feeling that will linger with them for a long time.
Significantly, a child who has spent months at the hospital recovering after a severe accident would not adjust to school and develop emotional resilience later. Care teams should be able to provide both psychological support and medical care.
Exposure to community or home violence
A chronic fear state is the result of exposure to violence in the neighborhood or home. The National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (2019) shows that in the U.S., nearly 60 percent of children were exposed to different types of violence directly or indirectly.
This chronic stress alters brain development and may raise the chances of behavioral issues: studies indicate that children exposed to violence are also more likely to exhibit violent behavior or show withdrawal of emotions than their non-exposed counterparts.
Parental substance abuse
A parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol tends to have a neglectful and unsafe home life. The thought of a child being left to look after himself because his parent has passed away is unimaginable.
This exposes them to a significant risk of emotional trauma and health issues associated with neglect. One of the most effective ways to support a child is to help their parent become a better parent.
Family dysfunction and emotional burden
A family that is always at war, in a state of uncertainty, or emotionally neglectful can be a significant burden to a child. When a child sees the need to become the mediator between warring parents, they are bearing a burden that is not their own.
This can result in anxiety, depression, and bad coping skills. Family therapy and social support could help make it healthier.
Key takeaway
Many childhood experiences may seem innocent, but they can be hidden and ultimately harm a person’s health and happiness throughout life. It can be physical or emotional abuse or various types of neglect, but either way, such experiences can cause toxic stress and mental health issues unless they are addressed.
It is vital to recognise much earlier, create a favourable environment, and offer appropriate support at the right time. Knowledge of these minor harms will enable us to better protect children and their future.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t swipe until you read this: The 7 best credit cards for 2025 ranked by rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was just spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some advantageous options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
16 grocery staples to stock up on before prices spike again
16 Grocery Staples to Stock Up On Before Prices Spike Again
I was in the grocery store the other day, and it hit me—I’m buying the same things I always do, but my bill keeps getting higher. Like, I swear I just blinked, and suddenly eggs are a luxury item. What’s going on?
Inflation, supply-chain delays, and erratic weather conditions have modestly (or, let’s face it, dramatically) pushed the prices of staples ever higher. The USDA reports that food prices climbed an additional 2.9% year over year in May 2025—and that’s after the inflation storm of 2022–2023.
So, if you’ve got room in a pantry, freezer, or even a couple of extra shelves, now might be a good moment to stock up on these staple groceries—before the prices rise later.
