What does a lack of love and emotional care often lead to in children?

A lack of love and emotional care can significantly affect a child's overall development and well-being. When children do not receive affection, support, and emotional nurturing, it can lead to developmental delays and serious health issues, including "failure to thrive." This term describes a condition where a child does not gain weight or grow properly, which can be attributed to a variety of factors including inadequate emotional support and nurturing.

Emotional neglect can impact a child's physical health, as these children may not develop the essential coping mechanisms to deal with stress or their emotional environment. Additionally, the absence of love and care can hinder their social and cognitive development, making it difficult for them to form healthy relationships and succeed academically. Thus, the correlation between emotional neglect and failure to thrive is well-established in child development research.