What has been termed “Madonna’s bitter custody battle” regarding her 15-year-old son, Rocco, sounds like every teenage boy’s worst nightmare.
No one ever said these type of conflicts are anything but excruciatingly painful for all caught up in them: Parents, children, siblings, grandparents. The intense emotion typically dissipates over time, but usually creates a lasting and significant impact for the child or young person caught in the middle.
Too many times to count, I have worked with families and their children as they argue about who should “have” the child and when. And like a frightened possum caught in headlights, that child is frozen in the middle – and will often develop symptoms.
Recently, two high conflict parents asked me to meet with their little girl. She had tummy pains. The doctors said there was no medical reason for them.