I survived childhood emotional neglect and verbal abuse. I am writing in hopes that this brings comfort to others survivors. I also identify as a glass child. I do not resent my sister. I don’t know how to feel about my parents.
My family history in a nutshell:
My parents married immediately after high school and I was born shortly thereafter. Four years later they had my sister with Down syndrome. Our parents divorced a year after Gretchen was born. Our dad remarried when Gretchen and I were 4 and 8 years old. Our stepmom had undiagnosed bipolar disorder. They both drank and used drugs. I became my sisters keeper in their house. When I was 10, our mom married a man with rage and anger issues. He had a 3 year old daughter from his second marriage. He was verbally abusive for the first 4 years of their marriage – until I finally learned to lock myself away in my room and never come out. I also become my sisters full time keeper.
When I am 14, our dad and stepmom have my half brother Chad. They are both still actively drinking and partying. At the age of 17, my stepmom overdoses and I call 911. That’s when I go low-contact with dad.
I continue to live at my moms (free rent) until I go away to college at the age of 21. I meet a nice man, we get married and divorced. I move to the PNW and find and marry a very patient and kind man who has a daughter.
At the age of 42, I finally realize that being a parentified child was neglect. I was neglected my entire childhood.
You are not alone. Even though I feel alone, I know that I’m not alone. I hope my words bring you comfort.
Stay true to yourself,
Anonymous Glass Child
Alicia Maples TEDx Glass Child
Anonymous Glass Child 