In the family where neglect is occurring, the neglecting adult may:

• be apathetic
• have a constant craving for excitement and change
• express dissatisfaction with his/her life
• express desire to be free of the demands of the child
• lack interest in the child’s activities
• have a low acceptance of the child’s dependency needs
• be generally unskilled as a parent
• have little planning or organizational skills
• frequently appear unkempt
• perceive the child as a burden or bother
• be occupied more with his/her problems than with the child’s
• be overly critical of the child and seldom discuss him/her in positive terms
• have unrealistic expectations of the child, expecting or demanding behavior beyond the child’s years or ability
• seldom touch or look at the child
• ignore the child’s crying or react with impatience
• keep the child confined, perhaps in a crib or playpen, for long periods of time
• be hard to locate
• lack understanding of the child’s physical or emotional needs
• be sad or moody
• fit the clinical description “passive and dependent”
• lack understanding of the child’s developmental capabilities
• fail to keep appointments and return telephone calls
• have been neglected himself/herself