Posted: February 3, 2026
The “black sheep” is usually defined as the outcast: the odd one, the difficult one, the family member who somehow brought their exclusion upon themselves. Families often assume that if one person is treated differently, there must be a good reason. Sometimes that’s true. Occasionally,...
Posted: November 12, 2025
The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many people, they can be complicated. If you’re someone who is estranged from family, or if your childhood was marked by emotional neglect, this season can stir up grief, loneliness,...
Posted: January 29, 2025
If you grew up with CEN, you know the painful ways in which you felt unseen and unheard. You longed for your parent(s) to ask you about your inner world or simply put aside their evening hobbies to eat dinner with you. Growing with up...
Posted: December 14, 2022
It may be surprising (or not) to know that there is a connection between Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) and narcissism. People who grow up with Childhood Emotional Neglect have a strong tendency to view themselves and their own needs as unimportant while those with narcissism...