[sadstricken]

I don't want to report my parents because it would cause a lot of discomfort in my family, and it might not even be severe enough to report... Anyway, how should I respond when my parents call me, my opinion, or how I feel "stupid"? How should I respond when I feel devalued or unloved because of something they say?

[Travelinglady]

Hello, sadstriken, and welcome to Psych Central! How willing are your parents to see you as a maturing, deserving person? If they call you "stupid," then you could say you wish they wouldn't call you that. But they might not appreciate your trying to "correct" them.

Right now you might just have to consider the source, and realize that they are not treating you appropriately, knowing you deserve better and are not as "dumb" as they think!

How old are you? Are you still living at home? Those factors are also ones to consider. I am sorry that are treating you this way.

Emotional/verbal abuse is severe and damaging, but there isn't much social services can do because it generally isn't something that can be proven. This is very sad and breaks my heart. Child protective services are so overwhelmed they don't generally even investigate this type of abuse. Can you talk to a counselor at school or church or someone like that? I am so sorry you are being treated this way.

[pegasus]

Hello sadstricken, welcome to Psych Central.

I'm sorry this is happening to you but it is good in a way that you have recognised that this is not right. Please talk to someone you can trust, as suggested a teacher or counselor. Please do not look on this as reporting them, the help you seek is for you.

[avlady]

alot of it is just a part of growing up, remember your parents are growing still too and don't know everything!!They are learning too, even though you have to be abused, sometimes we say things in the heat of the moment, and i wish sometimes i would myself get at least an apology, and later on in my older years i finally did!!!