A heavy subject like this may carry a few assumptions, the most likely being that childhood trauma is an indictment of one’s parents—an understandably difficult notion with which to contend when one loves and respects their parents. Another likely assumption is an almost-reflexive instinct that says, “this cannot possibly apply to me; after all, I am a high-functioning individual”.

Gastroenteritis is a term to describe inflammation in the stomach and/or small intestine. The causes are numerous, but in children the most common cause is viral infections.

You may recall your childhood (including adolescence) as a “simpler time”—one where the toughest things included learning long division, making new friends and keeping your room tidy. “Right” from “wrong” was clear, and punishment was a simple consequence of stepping out of line. You may also be familiar with the saying, “children are meant to be seen and not heard”, which meant being perceived as perfect little angels who reflected how virtuous our parents were.