Rigidly religious families also can avoid the responsibility of teaching interpersonal skills (such as communicating needs clearly, listening, or resolving conflicts). Rather than being seen as attempts to cope, “negative” behaviors are viewed as evidence of a child’s inherently flawed nature. Since people are not given credit for good intentions and capability, there is little if any effort to actually teach skills for healthy human relationships. The only principle taught is to ask God for help — for patience, love, understanding — and to be humble, open, and receptive if and when he bestows
...more
