How children cope with lack of love

When children do not get the love and attention they need from parents, they find replacement parents and love.

Without attention and love, children will withdraw or seek it by being reactive.

Or they look for it in things and the wrong people.

Children might run off

Might withdraw and suffer from anxiety and depression

Become reactive to seek attention.

They might be found by exploiters.

Or use substances and alcohol.

Or hang out in circles where they learn crime.

Or in sex

In food

In the gym

In over achieving and work

In looks

In harming themselves to release emotions.

Look for gifts in and attention in people with money

What parents can do

Parent yourself to meet their own needs. To give what you have to others.

Love your child daily with 5 love languages and 5 senses.

Acknowledge your child every day

Spend quality not quantity time with your child.

Use words of affirmations as appropriate to praise and encourage your child.

Do not treat your child like an enemy and your home like a battlefield.

Make it easy for your child to be comfortable and safe at home.

Listen to your child and allow them to be right sometimes.

You do not know everything.

Apologise to your child when you are wrong or heavy handed

Hug your child, pat them and hold eye contact

Guide your child with loving boundaries.

Be present with yourself instead of being distracted

Make it easy for your child to feel loved

Feed your child and eat together sometimes

Parent yourself before discipline

Have discussions with your child about life, conflict and consequences

You are not doing your child a favour. You are honouring your commitment

Praise your child, because the person who exploits them will.