6 Signs of Affective Deprivation in Children

During childhood, children require shows of affection from the people closest to them to feel loved and protected. However, as the child grows, parents tend to give fewer signs of affection. Occasionally, long working hours and the hectic modern lifestyle cause adults to forget some of their family obligations. This includes showing their children gestures of love that remind them how important they are.

What are the signs of affective deprivation in children? 

1-Disobedience

From the emotional deprivation in children, the need to receive attention arises. To be the center of attention, children tend to disobey their parents' orders and to present inappropriate behavior, such as tantrums and crying in public places. Children who want love and attention from their parents often make scenes, and if they do not achieve their goal, they increase in intensity and frequency.

2- Aggressiveness

When children are aggressive, it is best to listen to them and give importance to what they say. That way, they'll feel valued and will have enough confidence to say what they're worried about.

3- Insecurity

Faced with the emotional vacuum and lack of affection, children often feel unprotected. This causes them to be scared when interacting with other people. As they do not feel safe and constantly fear for their physical well-being, they are always on the defensive and very alert to what happens in their environment. Therefore, distrust as a clear sign that something is not going well.

4- Fear

Affective deficiencies in children that are not treated by a specialist can generate a sense of emptiness and distrust. Unfortunately, this will be present in the child's relationships as they grow up unless it is properly addressed. Fear of abandonment is acquired by little ones when they don't receive the affection they require from their parents and relatives. This pattern is difficult to leave behind. Normally, it's necessary to take the child to a family psychologist or therapist. This will help them overcome their fear and strengthen the relationship between parents and children.

5- Low academic performance

The lack of attention and affection in children can result in learning disorders and lack of motivation when doing homework. According to several psychologists, children who have emotional deprivation have language problems and poor academic performance. They usually take longer than other children to develop language and have few social skills. They censor their emotions and usually evade any kind of affection with those around them.

6- Attachment to electronic devices.

Some parents choose to let the ''digital nanny'' take care of their children. This tendency to let children get distracted by electronic devices or watching television creates an impersonal parenting method. Unfortunately, little ones often get enveloped in a technological bubble that leaves human interaction aside.