The Emotional Signs of Neglect

Although every youngster needs a roof overhead and warm clothing during the winter, neglect is by absolutely no means limited to the lack of adequate physical care. In fact, emotional neglect may be an even more widespread problem, especially due the difficulty of detection.

We may think we know a potential situation of neglect when we see it, given the understandable tendency to correlate poverty to absence of proper standards. However, perhaps the most worrisome part of emotional neglect is the fact that it does not discriminate by socioeconomic level. A child may be totally provided for in terms of living space, education, and all other material concerns, and yet be deprived of attention, love, and support.

Emotional Needs

All human beings require a minimum amount of positive bonding and sources of emotional connection in order to thrive. Scientific studies have repeatedly proven the absolute importance of this kind of socialization for later functionality in life. Some examples of emotional needs include:

• Loving support and encouragement – exhibited through compliments, kisses and hugs, and simply spending time around a child.
• Respect – Guardians and other caretakers may fail to understand that showing a child respect is the first step to instilling a sense of it in the child him or herself. As is almost always the case, respect is a matter of showing, not simply telling.
• Judgment-free listening -Perhaps the most easily-overlooked part of child rearing is the necessity for a pair of receptive ears that can pay attention to what the child has to say without him or her fearing criticism, rebuke, or dismissal.

Contact Us

Evidence of emotional neglect can hold substantial sway over the outcome of a child custody battle. It may also play into issues of adoption. For more information on the role that emotional neglect might play in your family law case, contact an experienced San Jose divorce lawyer at the offices of Daniel Jensen, S.C. today by calling 408-296-4100.