And the lyrics remind me of my clients.
Specifically my clients who grew up in chaotic, neglectful, or outright or subtly abusive homes. And who then (and even now) might self-identify as Little Girl (or Little Boy) Blue.
Clients who are now adults with degrees, good jobs, and who are living in one of the most beautiful corners of the world. But who still have a sad and tender little child inside of them. Because, for numerous reasons, they never got a chance to be a child in their childhood.
So today’s post is written for anyone out there who can identify with being a Little Girl (or Boy) Blue. Those who feel like they didn’t get a chance to actually be a child in their childhood. Those who are currently struggling with this in their day-to-day life.
I’ll share more about what being a child robbed of a childhood can look like, and the impacts I believe this can have. And, more importantly, what we can do about it as adults now.
What stops a child from being a child in their childhood?
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
– Frederick Douglass
Being robbed of your childhood is a tragedy.
I really, truly believe this and I don’t use the word tragedy lightly.
It is every child’s innate right to have a childhood. And when this is stolen from them, it’s a terrible and very sad thing.
And let me be clear. When I talk about a child being robbed or their childhood, I’m not talking about not having been able to go to Disney. Not staying home when all your friends got to go on summer vacation.
It can feel painful to be left out as a kid, absolutely.
And I’m not talking about your parents making you do chores around the house when you preferred spending your time playing video games. (Actually, there’s some really great research out there about how being made to do chores as a kid can make you into a more happy and successful adult.)
It can be frustrating and hard to not have all of your wants met as a kid, for sure.
What I mean about a child being robbed of a childhood is this. This is what happens when a child grows up in a home devoid of the love, safety, consistency. They didn’t have the logistical and emotional security necessary for their overall wellbeing and proper cognitive, physical, and psychological development.
This is being robbed of childhood.
And what can contribute to this?
