When an adult's life is not going smoothly, the "difficult childhood" is often cited. However, not all children who grow up under adverse circumstances develop into psychologically unstable adults. Nevertheless, a wounded and traumatized soul can remain. The author approaches the topic from a psychiatric-psychotherapeutic perspective: What does the professional community say about the "fate of childhood"? And why are some children better equipped than others? An exciting topic - presented in an understandable way, even for laypeople.