It's a process and an experience that is bruising. I don't think there's any other word for it. Every time you take a step forward, you're beaten back. I know it isn't the fault of the child, but there is absolutely an inability of these children to receive love. They don't trust love. They certainly don't expect that love is continuous, that it will keep going. It's almost as though they try to force your hand.
In experiences we had with our son, we'd say, “Wow, that's a great picture”, and he would look at us and tear it to shreds, because even that positive reinforcement on such a small level was too much for him to take. I believe--