Child Neglect

Physical and sexual abuse can be a part of it but not necessarily. This is usually an ongoing pattern of not providing needed age appropriate care.

Various Forms

Neglect can take the form of emotional/psychological (such as chronic spousal abuse in a child’s presence), medical (not providing appropriate healthcare), educational (not enrolling child in school or not providing homeschooling), and physical (not providing adequate food, clothing and shelter). Physical neglect is the most prevalent out of the four (4) types.

Negative Effects

This type of treatment to a child can result in drug and alcohol abuse, low self esteem, many kinds of destructive behaviors, as well as possible suicide. Infants run the possibility of delayed child development, failure to thrive, and in extreme cases infant death.

Solutions

Having worked for several years with children that have experienced abuse, there are many reasons that precipitate it. This is not about pointing fingers and blame, but finding solutions.

Not all abusers intentionally hurt their children. Many have a history of abuse themselves, some form of addiction, or a mental illness. Report any suspected abuse to your local social services department.

Parenting help is available, and a basic parenting class is a start. Since raising children is one of the greatest challenges there is, much anger and frustration can be triggered.

Here are some ideas to help manage reactions: * Learn to get emotions under control. * Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and rest. * Develop new parenting skills (learn appropriate discipline strategies and how to set firm limits and boundaries.) * Learn what is age-appropriate and develop realistic expectations for your children. *Get professional help if and when necessary.

Once child neglect is recognized, it can be dealt with. It’s important to get things out in the open, and let go of any secrets and shame. Breaking the pattern of neglect and abuse will set up a positive cycle of growth, development, expansion and transformation for many generations to come. Click here to return to the Transforming Child Behavior Home page.

When done reviewing Child Neglect, click here to return to the Manage Care page.