Overcoming Odds

In both the intro and the development courses, the topic  of abuse rears its ugly head. Although unpleasant to think about, this social ill and its twin sister neglect certainly exist. Daily, children are burned, slapped, battered, shaken, belittled, debased, and criticized beyond belief. Many are neglected emotionally and physically. They’re starving for love and sustenance, for hugs and hamburgers and kind words and milk.  And then there are those who suffer sexual abuse by those whom they trust to care for and protect them.

Yet somehow there are children who overcome all odds, the ones with resilience. Resilience, the ability to overcome circumstances that place a child at high risk for psychological or physical damage, includes several factors. Their easygoing, good-natured, and affectionate dispositions work to endear them to others. Somehow they’re successful in eliciting behavior in others that’s essential for their development. Resilient children are also usually intelligent, independent, and have good communication skills. I’ve also read that many have at least one person “in their corner” on whom they can rely for support.

What do you think? Do you know someone who has survived abuse and/or neglect? What was his or her “secret?” Do you think it was resilience? Be as specific as possible. I’ve got a great example, but you go first.