Neglectful Parenting

Definition

Also known as uninvolved or dismissive parenting, this is a harmful style of parenting that involves a lack of responsiveness to a child's needs. These parents ignore their children, do not respond to their needs, and generally neglect their role as parents.

Analogy

Neglectful parenting is like being given a plant but never watering it or giving it sunlight - the basic necessities for growth are ignored leading to detrimental effects on development.

Related terms

Child Neglect: The failure to provide for a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs or to protect them from harm or potential harm.

Emotional Abuse: A form of abuse where an individual exposes another person to behavior that may result in psychological trauma such as anxiety or depression.

Parentification: When a role reversal occurs where a child is obliged to act as parent to their own parent(s) due to the actual parent's inability/unwillingness to fulfill the parental role.