Raising Awareness of Emotional Neglect

 

What is emotional neglect?

Emotional neglect is ignoring or refusing to consider a child's emotional needs. Emotional neglect happens when children don't get the love and attention that they need to feel good about themselves.

What happens to children when they are emotionally neglected?

When children are emotionally neglected, they don't feel important or loved. They may begin to think something is wrong with them and that they don't deserve to be loved. When children feel this way, they may become sad and withdrawn or they may become angry and get into trouble.

Children who are emotionally neglected have a hard time making and keeping friends. They may argue and get into fights. And they are likely to be poor students.

When these children grow up they often have a hard time getting along with others. They are isolated and depressed because they don't trust other people.

Why are children emotionally neglected?

There are many reason why parents emotionally neglect their children. We know that these parents come from every part of society. They may be rich or poor, they may have a good education or no education at all, and both mothers and fathers emotionally neglect their children.

Some parents think that taking good care of their children means taking care of their physical needs. They may not realize that their children need more than food, clothing, and shelter. Many parents are afraid that they will spoil their children if they tell them they love them, give them lots of attention, and hug or cuddle them.

Some parents are too overwhelmed by their own problems to think of their children's emotional needs. These parents may be depressed or under a lot of stress, or they may abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Some parents were emotionally neglected when they were children. They don't know what they missed. They don't realize that it is very important to be loved, to receive attention, and to be praised for accomplishments. So they don't do this for their own children.

How can emotional neglect be prevented?

Recognizing that emotional neglect is a problem is the first step in its prevention. Emotional neglect takes place over time. All parents have moments when they don't want to be bothered by their children. If this becomes a regular or frequent attitude, parents are at risk for emotionally neglecting their children. Here are some things you can do to prevent emotional neglect.

• Spend lots of time with your babies. Hold and cuddle them. Talk to them.

• Talk to your toddlers. Play simple games with them. Ask them questions about their likes and dislikes.

• Keep track of your older children's activities. Let them know you are interested in what they are doing.

• Attend your children's school events and extracurricular activities.

• Get help for yourself if you are depressed or lonely. • Be a friend. Reach out to those around you who may be emotionally neglecting their children.

 

Sticks and stones can break your bones! Names can hurt you! And not getting love and attention can hurt you, too!

 

As we learn more about what helps children grow into positive, constructive adults, we also learn more about what hurts children. Children who are physically or emotionally abused are being hurt. And children who are emotionally neglected are being hurt, too.