If you grew up in a household with what your parents labeled a “problem child”, or worse yet you were that “problem child”, you are familiar with what family therapists call “scapegoating.”  

The term scapegoating is used to describe a family-wide tendency to place the blame in any bad situation on one person in the family. When repeated over and over again, this bullying tendency to blame one family member can result in some serious mental health problems, like feelings of worthlessness, depression and even suicide.  

If you notice your family is beginning to identify a scapegoat, seek help. Counseling, like that of a family therapist or pastoral care, can aid in creating a healthy dynamic for you, your girl, and her siblings. 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: