Articles from The School of Life

The emotionally neglected child isn’t screamed at or hit, locked up or jeered at. they are just – often very subtly – ignored.

There’s always something more urgent to do than spend time with them. The parent seems in no way charmed or interested by the child.

The adult who emerges from a childhood of emotional neglect is likely to be in a confused state. On the surface, they may experience only good will and a continued desire to please their early caregivers. But deep within themselves, they may feel lacerating doubt, paranoia and self-contempt. To numb such feelings, they may take to drink or develop numbing, calming addictions to keep themselves from constant encounters with their perceived repulsiveness.