Baby Reindeer

My social media handle of X (formerly Twitter) was abuzz with a new Netflix series titled Baby Reindeer. It is gore, raw and not for the weak hearted from what I read and it sure intrigued me. You sure need a lot of heart to watch this series which happens to be a True story too. It's about a female stalker in her forties and the main lead- a guy in his twenties, who himself has had a tormenting past. As the episodes unfold you see why he encourages the stalker despite knowing very well she is a ex-convict, convicted for stalking

It got me thinking about Maslows Hierarchy of needs.

 The main character is okay with NIL self respect, submitting himself to his abuser because of the hate he has for himself aka low self esteem. The series subtly touches upon the background of the stalker- her past, in a crisp voice note that she shares about how her parents were always fighting. The impact it has on childhood is nothing short of trauma. 

I happened to read a post recently of a kid who constantly said she hates her dad and when the mom kept prodding the young girl all of five says "Mum, you are always angry when Dad is around". The first five years of a kid are very crucial and helps them become what they are. Unfortunately, in many households this is not something taken seriously. 

Comments like - your daughter or son is not fair, is too skinny, too shy, too loud and so on starts at a very young age and the parents catch on the wagon with the little one soon starting to think he/she is not enough. Though they may appear all fine to the world, there is this trauma deep within that makes them feel they are not enough. 

If you look around yourself, any given day- cases of runaway kids, kids who still hold back things that happened to them until one fine day they burst out are aplenty. 

While we keep telling adults not to judge others for you never know what's going on in their lives, it's equally (or more) important to ensure we accept children for what they are and who they are. It's upon the parents, the society to ensure we create a safe environment for them.

 Kudoos to Netflix for not just sharing the episode but also sharing links where anyone can reach out for support. Like I always say- change begins at home. 

Cheers

Me myself