The strain this can place on parents, marriages and families is almost indescribable. Also, do not overlook the pain grandparents may go through if they are involved. They are helplessly concerned about two generations of children. It doesn't stop there either. The strain continues on to spread into friendships as well.
Parents confidence in their parenting skills plummet.
They begin questioning everything they have done raising this child while looking for the reasons this may be occurring. Tempers can shorten and frustrations grow tall. Everyone is scared. Often blaming occurs between the parents. The marriage is now entering one of it's greatest challenges.