Desperate Housewives is tackling an interesting storyline.

One of the main characters, Tom, has a daughter, Kayla, with a woman prior to his wife, Lynette. Lynette only recently learned about the daughter. Kayla’s mother was killed in a bank robbery in a previous season and Kayla does not like her step-mom. Not too unusual in a night time drama. What is making this “interesting” is that the story line is showing the anger of Kayla and manipulation along with allegations of child abuse.

I’m not the only one who is intrigued by this story line. It is being talked about on a couple of the attachment disorder lists. The characteristics of this young character are classic signs and symptoms of attachment disorder. The show has not come out and said attachment disorder, and I’m not sure that they will, but it is interesting that they are coming things from this angle.

In tonight’s episode Kayla made allegations of abuse after one of the other children is injured after jumping off the roof, which Kayla prompted. An investigator came to the house to talk to Lynette and Tom and Kayla overhears that if there are further incidents that Lynette and Tom will lose their children. Kayla then burns herself with a curling iron and makes another false allegation. Lynette is arrested.

I have talked to so many parents that have been in this type of situation. Manipulation, control, and false allegations are common in children that fall on the more severe end of the attachment disorder spectrum. Families have been through horrible accusations and trials because of exactly this type of thing. This is not something I would wish on anyone.

I am glad that this incredibly popular show is shedding light on this topic. I know many viewers will probably think this television drama, but for many of us, we can relate all too well to the story line.

It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds and if they talk about attachment issues at all.

Photo credit