There is a dangerous condition called Childhood Emotional Neglect.It involves not giving children the attention they need.They are often ignored by their parents.They are unsure of why they grow up feeling incomplete and unloved.They show the same treatment to their own children, causing a cycle of abuse.People with CEN can be difficult to maintain relationships with.You can determine if your loved one is a victim of childhood emotional neglect by watching their romantic relationships, as well as their general behavior.
Step 1: There are signs of withdrawal.
When it comes to romantic relationships, adults who don't receive the type of emotional support they need are often withdrawn.They shy away from intimate relationships because they don't know how to show affection.You might find that a person with childhood emotional neglect doesn't communicate with their partner or show compassion, or that they seem disinterested in the relationship.These behaviors are learned from suffering from neglect for years, and the adult often does not know that they are showing the signs of childhood neglect, or that it is normal.It can make the withdrawal or cycle of abuse worse if you place blame on the person for acting this way.
Step 2: It's a good idea to notice if they seem nervous in the relationship.
The person is very worried about their role in the relationship.They might be afraid that their significant other is cheating on them or that they don't deserve the person.They can go from one failed relationship to another if they have these feelings.The person is attracted to people who treat them badly.They tend to gravitate towards abusive relationships.The abuse becomes normal for the victim and aggressor, which perpetuates the cycle.They seek love in others in the same way that the victim was loved.
Step 3: Check to see if they are happy in their relationship.
It is not uncommon for people with CEN to feel like there is something missing from the relationship.They might never feel happy.This can cause a lot of suffering for them and their partners.People with CEN can sometimes feel like something is off in their relationships.They may not know why.They don't feel a sense of belonging or a connection with their partners.They don't realize that their contentment is an internal problem.
Step 4: See if they show compassion.
A child who experienced emotional neglect may have difficulty showing concern for others.They are usually closed off from people around them, even their loved ones, and may have difficulty relating to others.They call people who cry or are upset "wimps" or have a hard time understanding why people are emotional.They turn away people who need them the most.
Step 5: Check for self-destructive behavior.
Adults who experience CEN are critical of themselves.They may become upset if they make a mistake or don't do their job the way they intended.They hold themselves up to a high standard and are often perfectionists.They may not have time to care for themselves.They never take time to relax or enjoy what they enjoy.They don't know how to make the situation better.
Step 6: An angry temperament is what you should look for.
The victims of childhood emotional neglect often act out.They may explode because they are unable to process their feelings in a rational way.They act emotionally abusive to those around them, including you.You might feel disconnected because the person can't process their emotions.
Step 7: It's a good idea to look for addictive behavior.
People with CEN look to drugs and alcohol to fulfill their needs.People who have experienced trauma are more prone to addiction.Substance abuse is the most common form of addiction for people with CEN, but they may become addicted to other things, such as gambling or sex.
Step 8: You should watch for abuse.
People who have been neglected or abused by their parents tend to do the same things with their own children.They may think that the way they were treated is normal, or they may not be aware of any other type of parenting.They may show their children the same type of parenting.It's possible that your loved one is the victim of CEN if they ignore, tease, reject, and isolate their child.They may not give love and affection.Child abuse and neglect should be reported immediately.You can call the Child Abuse hotline if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected.
Step 9: Do they have the ability to tell what their children are feeling?
When a child is upset, your loved one doesn't seem to notice.They may not realize that they are sad or angry.They may be closed off to emotional outbursts because of their lack of emotional fulfillment.When they grow up to be parents, they will likely cause the same behavior in their own children.
Step 10: They interact with their children a lot.
A common type of withholding among parents who struggle with CEN is not spending a lot of time with their children.They don't know how to bond with their children.They don't spend much time on a one-on-one basis, do not offer support or encouragement with school or extracurricular activities, or talk much during meals.
Step 11: If they offer comfort, look at it.
When times are tough, children turn to their parents for support.It may be obvious to you that your loved one doesn't love their child as much as you would like.When the child's favorite pet passes away, best friend moves, or they get hurt, you may notice your loved one doesn't console them or understand why they are so upset.It is a sign of childhood emotional neglect if you don't ask what the child is sad about and ignore them.