Even when explicit memory has been lost about a traumatic event, a child’s brain needs a chance to cognitively process what happened to them. Without this processing, the child’s inherent memories may cause them to have unhelpful belief systems about the world and themselves, based on an undefined sense that they are unsafe or unloved.

Parents may accidentally reinforce childhood OCD by walking on eggshells, enabling, punishing compulsions, or even praising compulsions.