Parental affection plays a fundamental role in the Emotional development of children. Children and adolescents require their parents’ attention, from gestures of affection such as hugs or kisses to words of encouragement and validation.
Children’s emotional intelligence develops, among other reasons, from the upbringing received and the example transmitted through interactions with their environment. However, children often generate harmful behaviours that endanger their well-being due to excessive obligations or how their parents were educated.
The child needs more love than gifts.
The best gifts for children are time and attention. Because even though material things can bring momentary happiness, the unconditional dedication and support that a father feels for his children is demonstrated through the daily displays of affection and care.
Happy family playing
If a little one constantly demands attention, do not take a bad attitude and give him the necessary space to be aware of love.
However, due to a heavy workload or personal reasons preventing parents from connecting with their little ones, they end up paying the consequences of that Lack of love. For example, some parents believe they can buy their children’s affection through gifts. Alternatively, they replicate macho thoughts where men cannot express their feelings.
It only creates emotional wounds in children. A little one who grows up without love is likely to develop low self-esteem and depend on relationships that give them little attention, even when they can become harmful.
So do not shower children with gifts and details to buy the Lack of parental love and quality time. That only prevents a sincere and disinterested relationship from being built where the feelings of others matter. Better let them know through daily actions that they care about them and that, despite the schedule, the figure is present every day in their life.
Signs that a child needs love
It is widespread that when children are babies, we fill them with kisses and hugs daily and are aware of anything they may need. However, as they grow into children and then adolescents, those displays of affection can be reduced entirely.
Moreover, when children feel that their relationship with their parents is distant, they can show it in various ways to get noticed.
Try to be the centre of attention
What better way to win someone’s affection than by getting their attention? Beyond a childish or immature attitude, children with a lack of affection at home try to make themselves noticed by their parents at all costs.
These attempts to draw attention at all costs are a message to seek adult validation and feelings of approval. So, if the little one behaves this way, try to spend more time with him instead of scolding him. Employing respectful and loving parenting is critical.
- Child feels sad and rejected
Childhood depression is an actual condition that can profoundly affect children’s mental health. For example, if he notices that the child has changed his personality and is now more apathetic and withdrawn, he likely lacks his parents’ love so that he does not face life’s obstacles alone. Providing children with a safe environment where love and mutual respect abound is necessary so they never feel excluded or judged.
- A low academic performance
If a child is an excellent student and their grades start to drop out of nowhere, pay attention to the possible causes. Remember that regardless of age, little ones require the support and love of their mother, so do not abandon them emotionally.
The boy throws a paper plane to his teacher. When children have attitudes far from their typical personality, they must discuss finding a solution.
Motivation and words of encouragement are actions that motivate children and adolescents. So encourage them to do their best and congratulate them from the heart when they reach their goals.
- He never wants to be alone
The Lack of affection at home can be translated as an irrational fear of abandonment when the children feel they are not essential to their parents. Moreover, while it is normal for infants and toddlers to develop a separation anxiety disorder early on, it can linger and affect their well-being.
- Negative view of himself
When a child has a negative internal dialogue and tends to judge himself, his family relationship is likely not the best.
All people have qualities and defects that can be improved. However, a little one who is only reminded of the bad things will not know how to find the security to shine their light.
If a child needs love, give it to him affectionately.
As many problems as there may be within the home, children do not deserve to grow up believing they do not deserve the love of their family. Parents’ love and support are expressed through daily actions, not through gifts or empty words. So if you notice that your relationship with your child is becoming more and more distant, recognise the signs and give him full attention.
