The following story is dedicated to a population of children coping with the struggles of a hostile parent in custody-related matters. At a time when survival and security defenses are on high alert, children are encouraged to use their words to express where Ôit hurts.Õ But the realities of a closed system teach children (as well as families, teachers, health care providers, politicians É) to say nothing. The result: a microcosm of kids suffering from learned helplessness.