How Abandonment As a Child Leads to Developmental Problems

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, at least 905,000 children suffered from neglect and abuse in 2006. Intentional abandonment as a child is considered neglect and abuse and can have lasting impacts.

Psychological Problems

• Childhood abandonment can weigh heavy on a child's psyche, which can ultimately lead to problems during school years. Such a child may be impacted socially, cognitively, mentally and emotionally. This can cause delayed speech, poor grades and problems making friends.

Physical Problems

• Abandonment issues can also show physical signs in a child. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that such children are more likely to develop ulcers, high blood pressure, allergies and respiratory illnesses. Such ailments can hinder a child's physical development.

Prevention/Solution

• There are also children who are neglected by their parents due to a lack of nurturing. However, there are also instances in which a parent unintentionally makes their child feel abandoned. This is most common in babies and younger children who do not understand the necessity of your absence. Some parents do not realize that their young child might feel abandoned when they go to work everyday. Blended-families.com suggests that you make your presence known in such cases so that your child does not struggle with abandonment issues. You can leave a note, a picture or other type of momento that will make your child think of you and feel comforted.