Parenting is an emotionally charged journey, and no one is perfect. But words spoken in anger, sarcasm, or shame can echo in a child’s mind for decades. Just as words can hurt, they can also heal. By recognizing the signs of verbal abuse—and addressing them with compassion and accountability—we can protect children’s emotional health, strengthen families, and break harmful cycles for good.

Emotional abuse may be harder to spot, but it’s every bit as real—and damaging—as physical abuse. When we uncover the signs behind closed doors, we open up the possibility for healing, resilience, and change. Children deserve more than to just survive their childhoods. They deserve to feel seen, heard, and emotionally safe in the places they call home. And that starts with us being brave enough to name what’s wrong—and compassionate enough to help make it right.