Reference no: EM133669109

Question

Creative and highly sensitive children, we learn about Alicia's story and her childhood trauma, she is expected to be understanding and supportive of her siblings as she is the 'normal' one in the family. Parents should not allow children to assume responsibilities just because they do not have as many needs as their other child. This excessive freedom and responsibility unfortunately lead to immense pressure and suicidal thoughts for Alicia, she would never admit anything was wrong. Her parents were so focused on the child with exceptionalities that they neglected the needs of the 'glass child'. This child was expected to be perfect and self-sufficient, which is a lot of pressure and therefore, Elkin's social support theory is clear. the 'glass child' was also in need of support - not because of any physical or cognitive exceptionalities, but because of the emotional and psychological strain of being expected to be perfect and self-sufficient. The parents, focused on their other child, failed to provide this support. This lack of support likely had a negative impact on the 'glass child's' well-being, again in line with Social Support Theory, which posits that lack of support can lead to negative outcomes.