On the JerseyMomsBlog forum, I must make an announcement. I’ve been diagnosed with a serious disorder, and I must disclose this horrible flaw in my character. My husband, many friends, possibly relatives, neighbors and acquaintances may also share this imperfection of parenting. Lean closer, and I’ll whisper it to you, “I have EDD…Empathy Deficit Disorder.” And you may suffer from it, too.
Citing a definition found in the August 2010 South Jersey Mom, it states that Empathy Deficit Disorder (EDD), originally coined by Dr. Douglas LaBier, “is a chronic condition brought on by parents who don’t acknowledge a child’s feelings or, by their efforts, to diminish those feelings when they are expressed.” Statements such as “stop crying” or “don’t worry about it” or “it’s not that big a deal” are a few of the supposed offenders. Throughout the ages, parents have used several phrases like these to guide their children in understanding and not dwelling on their anxieties and disappointments. Were they wrong? [Read more...]
My dear friend Sue has a plaque that she keeps at her work station. It reads “Attention everyone, this is God. I will be solving all of your problems today. I do not require your help.”
