Children Quote by Mark Z. Danielewski
““the seriousness of emotional deprivation: It is not difficult to understand how children who have suffered from malnutrition or starvation need food and plenty of care in their bodies are to recover so they can go on to lead normal lives. If, however, the starvation is severe enough, the damage will be permanent and they will suffer physical impairments for the rest of their lives. Likewise, children who are deprived of emotional nurturing require care and love if their sense of security and self-confidence is to be restored. However, if love is minimal and abuse high, the damage will be permanent and the children will suffer emotional impairments for the rest of their lives.””
About This Quote
Emotional neglect can cause lasting psychological harm comparable to physical malnutrition, because both deprive essential developmental needs.
In simple terms: Emotional neglect leaves permanent scars.
Key Takeaway
Neglect harms as deeply as starvation.
Themes
developmental psychology
attachment theory
trauma
resilience
parenting
Mood
somber
empathetic
urgent
Type
advice
observation
warning
When to use this quote
- child welfare assessments
- family counseling
- school support programs
- social services interventions
- community outreach
Key Concepts
basic needs
security
self‑esteem
abuse
Practical Applications
- designing trauma‑informed care models
- training caregivers in nurturing practices
Questions to Reflect On
- How can early emotional support mitigate long‑term damage?
- What policies best protect children from emotional abuse?
![“The child..will try to make himself..independent of other people. .. Excesses of appetite are self-cures for feelings of hopelessness. ..The child [uses] ‘doubt about food to hide doubt about love.’” quote by Adam Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/154/adam-phillips-18270_appetite_the-child-will-try-to-make-himself-indep_1066864.jpg)
