Effects on Kids
Children of Chaos*
may show some of these symptoms:
Infants -
- Frequent illnesses or other health problems
- Sleeping problems
- Excessive crying
- Bruises
- Unkempt appearance
Toddlers - All of the above, plus…
- Shyness or withdrawn behavior
- Reluctance to be touched
- Over attachment or excessive fear of adults
- Aggressive behavior – excessive biting and hitting
- Speech problems
- Loss of acquired skills such as toilet training, speech, large motor skills
- Developmental delays with no organic cause
School Age Children – All of the above, plus…
- Frequently miss school
- Excessive fatigue at school due to inability to sleep at home
- Loss of skills such as reading, math facts or naming colors
- Increased aches and pains such as headaches or stomach aches
- Stealing, lying or other negative behaviors
- Nightmares
- Eating disorders
- Isolation – won't bring friends home
- Depression or nervous disorders
- Self-abuse (cutting, etc)
- Need to be perfect
- Confused feelings about parents – angry at both the abusing and abused parent
- Reverse Parenting: Assumes responsibility for caring for parents
- Assumes responsibility for caring for and protecting younger siblings
- Drug/alcohol abuse
Teenagers – All of the above, plus…
- Helplessness and hopelessness
- Delinquent behavior (running away, etc.)
- Sexual acting out
- Violent relationships with others
- High risk of suicide
* Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Prevention Resource Development Project
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