Not every child is neglected or abandoned because of poverty, drugs, abuse & etc. There’re normal children who’re neglected by parents who love them too. I’m only a new mother, but I’m learning from my school children’s lifes.

Case 1:
This 4-year-old boy is underweight. He’s vomitted a few times at school and my principal has found out that he’s staying with the nanny during weekdays, and the nanny doesn’t practise healthy eating habit with him. He will take junk food and jelly for breakfast, skip dinner if he likes, and can take any junk food from the fridge at nanny’s place. So, when he’s taking the morning breakfast at school, he’ll vomit because of “gas” in the stomach. He’s hungry, not can’t take much food. Even for lunch also he’s taking only a little bit.
My principal talked to his father, and asked if he’s taking healthy food during the weekends. Since he’s only back 2 days a week, the parents too sayang to force him, and let him has whatever junk food his likes. I think the parents also feel better if they let him has his own ways since they’ve not been taking care of him often enough.
I talked to the boy. Seems like he wants to stay with the parents too, but the father refused. He said they can’t take care of him and the other 7 year old brother. The boy was a bit sad about it, but he doesn’t tell the parents. I think the parents may think that he’s still young, and he’s not hurt. But he is hurt.

Case 2:
A 3 year old boy who’s extremely quiet when I was first took over the kindy. He refused to stay eye contact with anyone at first, but now he’s doing better and takes part in class activities more often.
His mum has another 2 younger children aged 1 year old and 2 months. She’s working full time, while her husband’s working in oversea. So the 3 children will be left with the maid. She complaining that the boy doesn’t talk to her, but only to the maid. When the school needs to get anything or info about this boy, we’re having a tough time contacting the mother hp’s too. Only the maid picks up the phone and knows everything about the boy.
The boy seems unhappy to be with his mother. And the mother is angry with his behaviour. It’s hard for the mother too since she has the children in such a close gap and can’t pay full attention on them. But I really pity the little boy who’s crying for his mother’s attention, but at least he can get some from the maid.

I keep reminding myself not to use “no time”, “busy”, “so much work” etc as excuses for not being with Justin. It’s really tough juggling both career and family lifes, but I think it’s worth putting all my effort on my baby. I really hope that he can grow up feeling blessed with love and undevoted attention from both his mom and dad.
It’s not the parents fault sometimes when they decided not to be with the children. “Wan sek ka nan” means it’s hard to earn a living, and not all are blessed with financial stability. But I really hope that the boys will have more quality time with the parents.