Another major reason for denial is inner conflict. Children often repress memories of abuse not only due to their pain, but because they're dependent on their parents, love them, and are powerless to leave home. Young children idealize their parents.
How do you deal with a parent in denial?
If you are an educator, a counselor or just a concerned friend, there is a way to deal with parents in denial.
- Invite the parents to meet with you without the child in question being present. ...
- Thoroughly explain the events that have occurred with child. ...
- Have tangible evidence ready. ...
- Listen to the parents.
Is denial a form of abuse?
When it comes to dependent behaviors, denial has been called the hallmark of addiction. It's true not only for drug (including alcohol) abusers, but also for their partners and family members. This axiom also applies to abuse and other types of addiction. We may use denial in varying degrees.
