Dating and Relationship

The abandonment of a child can occur in a variety of ways. In some cases, it is a literal neglect, when parents fail to give a child the love and support he needs.

In other cases, abandonment can impact a child as a result of a lack of regular contact with parents due to divorce or a long-term illness, for instance.

Abandonment can have a number of consequences, which can be both relatively immediate and long-term.

Family Units Altered

Abandonment has a lasting effect not just on children, but on the entire family unit, often altering its rules, systems and roles.

For example, in the case of one parent leaving the care of a child to the other, the latter becomes sole guardian and his role is enlarged; the child or children become dependent on him.

Older children may act more like adults to cope with the hole left by the departing parent. In some cases, family members may develop anxieties stemming from such changes, according to Break the Cycle.

Emotional Hurt

Abandonment can result in a plethora of emotional troubles for affected children, both in the short and long term. If abandonment happens suddenly, a child is likely to be shocked and confused.

Abandonment may cause a child to feel the parents’ action was her fault, potentially leading to guilt and even shame. Feelings of grief anger are also possible in these situations.

Lack of Identity Formation

The lack of a parent can have a long-term impact on how a child relates to his gender. One duty of a parent is to ensure kids come to terms with the implications their gender in a mature fashion, something that is often performed by setting a suitable example of how to behave toward others, whether of the same or different gender.

For instance, young boys generally require a father figure to aid them in handling their developing masculinity, and this development may be stunted by the absence of a father figure.Anti-Social Behavior

Abandonment can lead to a child not fully developing his social skills, which may result in the child turning to crime or addiction later in life. Anti-social problems can range from risk-taking — leading to early sexual encounters, for example — to excessive consumption of alcohol.

Neglected kids are more likely to turn to drugs or cigarettes later in life, according to childhood researcher S.R. Dube. Neglect of kids by parents can even result in violent behavior and psychological illness, according to academic A.N. Schore.

Cycle of Abandonment

Child abandonment can begin a cycle of neglect and abuse. A child who is abandoned by a parent stands an increased chance of doing the same to her offspring. Prevent Child Abuse America reports about a third of neglected kids victimize their offspring in some way.