One can simply define neglect as:
Not Engaging in the Growth and Love of the Associated Child which over Time proves disastrous.
Piya as a young child never had the presence of her mother or father in her life. Her father was drunk all the time and hardly could hold a job. Her mother was on drugs and hardly noticed if Piya was there or not. There was no one to take Piya to school. She walked herself to school from a very small age. She was not cared for with regards to food and basic hygiene. She often felt lonely even though her parents were there in the house because they were mentally so out of it.
This led her to get depressed and one day she thought she would try what her mother took so it would take the pain away of what she was going through.
The neighbours informed the police and Piya was immediately shifted to a foster home. Piya took a long time to open up with counsellors and her foster parents. But now, she is thriving in the same foster home that she was placed when she left from her home.
Emotional and physical bonding is key and vital to a child’s growth. Research has shown that if neglect is prevalent in the child’s journey of life then there could be other problems like post traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, attachment and social relationships.
There are some behavioural consequences as well. Victims of neglect often exhibit behavioural dysfunction. They engage in sexual dysfunctions and practices, alcohol and drug use, criminal behaviour, to name a few.
There could be developmental issues. Some studies have shown reduced intellectual functioning and reduced cognitive responses in neglected children. Neglected children also feel they are a burden to society. Some of course may turn to drastic measures of indulging in criminal behaviour.
It affects the child psychologically; it could make the child extremely devalued and underappreciated. He or she would be afraid to venture out and try new things. They would be self-demeaning and overtly critical of themselves.
It is vital to help children like these with counselling care as it will harm the child even more if this is delayed. It is important to make the child feel he is important enough to be heard.
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