06/08/2026
Idealization becomes a survival mechanism for the child who’s needs have gone unmet & who experienced neglect, abuse, smothering…
As children, we idealize and learn to do mental gymnastics around our caregivers behavior. We make up all kinds of justifications, to prove that something is normal, to feel we are receiving a “special” kind of love, children often make it all their fault & turn the blame on themselves, that they deserved this punishing. Because if it is the fault of the child, then the child also feels it has the capacity to fix it, by being a good boy, toughening
up, going silent…it gives a false sense of control back the to child.
Children are dependent on their caregivers for life and sustenance.
Therefore, idealization is not a choice, but, a default. Because the young child cannot hold the truth, that their caregiver is, neglectful, abusive, whatever. This would totally threaten their sense of self & safety, simply the
little brain & body simply cannot hold it all; the truth that the caregivers they are literally dependent on
are actively damaging them.
So, the now adult will defend their parents to the tooth and bone. As the inner child is still too terrified to open that box of truth.
But it is in opening that box, where healing and freedom lies. It is the sign of a mature adult to be able to hold conflicting truths all at once: My parents are not inherently bad people, but their trauma made
them broken when they then passed their trauma down to me.
They were at times abusive…. neglectful… no boundaries… smothering… but they may have truly loved you as well. But that doesn’t excuse behavior, and your healing is more important, than your idealizations and forgiveness.
If forgiveness eventually comes authentically & naturally, that is okay. But just make sure you don’t use forgiveness as another wayto bypass the trauma you have endured.
Understanding what caused the trauma can give you compassion for your parents, but understanding that they lacked the accountability & tools to do different is not an excuse. It is the responsibility of the parent to care for the child & it was never the child’s fault.
🤍