Many highly independent adults may be masking this serious form of trauma, and their children could be paying the price. While “cereal for breakfast” and “latchkey” kids are often celebrated for their self-reliance, as these kids age into adulthood, particularly parenthood, serious issues can surface. When parents are emotionally unavailable, a child’s independence is not so much a strength as a survival strategy. When parents are emotionally unavailable, a child’s independence is not so much a strength as a survival strategy. nicoletaionescu – stock.adobe.com When these independent children transition into adulthood and begin having children of their own, this survival strategy can manifest as emotional distance, difficulty accepting help from others, and the ingrained, stunting belief that they must handle everything alone. The effects of childhood emotional neglect on adult development have been documented in a study from   PubMed Central .…