Ann, an intelligent and obedient girl as well as good in academics, was going low in her scores day by day. She seemed to be normal always like other girls, no one was having any clue that there was something wrong with Ann. She just wanted to stay alone and find corners whenever her friends were around. She wanted to escape all this chaos. She tried many times to hurt herself, all she wanted was peace. She was the limelight of the school, her teachers were worried for her as she was a good performer. Ann was counseled so many times by her teacher, she tried to find out what was juggling inside her but all the efforts of the teacher were in vain, as Ann seldom answered anything and always promised her teacher that next time she will be more attentive and bring the same result.
Ann was the only child to her parents. Her experiences of being neglected as a child were with her every day. No one was there at home most of the time and even when they were at home they wouldn't even notice whether Ann was at school, at home, or at play. A maid ( Ms.Thomas) was there to fulfill her basic needs. Ann tried so many times to speak to her counseling teacher but she was afraid of revealing the truth of her emotional trauma.
The children who are at school or with their friends, they have their second life because they somehow pretend that everything is OK and they can even fool themselves thinking that everything is OK. So was the case of Ann.
Mr. and Mrs.Brown were busy in their professional and social life, like being at home they were completely out of it. Mr. and Mrs.Brown were classy, sophisticated couple, Owner of top most MNC.
They were so much status-centered that work was the only prominent thing in their life. Their business was so dignified that to compete they were having only one purpose in their life " WHAT NEXT"?
Ann was finding herself so disconnected, like her other friends she also wanted to enjoy with her family and go for family outings, and have some adventures. She hardly remembers, when was the last time when she had spent time with her family. They hardly jammed together for any movie night or a small tea party. As they were busy in their night club meetings, hanging out for drinks and dinners with friends and colleagues. They were prolonged users of drugs, which caused their dependence to release their stress. This lifestyle was very pleasing to Mr. and Mrs.Brown
Ann once interrupted in their daily schedule and asked Mrs. Brown- "Mom can I join you"?.
No said Mrs.Brown, just go and take rest as you have school in the morning.
Ann said - " A kind reminder Mom, tomorrow is my special day. I have been selected as a Best Performer of the year. My teacher wants to honor me in front of the whole school and my parents."
Sure, Darling! I will see you in the morning, says Mrs. Brown.
Ann was convinced and had a good sleep. She woke up early in the morning and got ready on time. She just knocked her Mom's bedroom to call her as they were getting late for the school. Mom are you ready? , asked two-three times but no reply. Once again she banged the door this time she tried hard Mom can we leave?
Ann please come in - answered Mrs. Brown. Ann, I won't be able to accompany you as I have a severe headache and I have to leave for a meeting along with your Dad, in two hours. Please take Ms.Thomas with you as she is also like our family member. If you want I will write a note to your teacher mentioning her my busy schedule and apologizing for the same.
Mom but you hardly attend my school meetings and functions. At least you could have come today. She just left the room with her faded face.
Ann often felt low, she was aware of her parent's drug use. Although they denied several times, yelled at her for the same by saying that this is none of her business. She felt all alone, completely helpless and hopeless, having everything around but no way out. She wanted them to listen to her what she was going through. It took her to loneliness and everything got bottled up inside her. She stopped playing with her friends always keeping herself locked, after school. The School authorities sent so many notices regarding Ann's performance and always mentioned that Ann was a bright student and needed attention for her future. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were so busy in their worldly pleasures that they hardly went through any of the notices. Days passed by, and then weeks and then months. She spent sleepless nights, hugging her doll in her room sobbing quietly. The time came when she hits her puberty, but she couldn't find her Mom's corner where she could get comfortable. Ms.Thomas was worried for Ann but she couldn't comprehend. Ann's attitude was changing. She seemed withdrawn and aggressive. Her food intake was also disturbed. Ms. Thomas informed Mrs. Brown about Ann's development behavior but she ignored and took it lightly. Mrs. Brown asked Ms.Thomas to take Ann to the doctor and get her some multivitamins.
Ann was so offended, finding no one around she hunted her Mom's drawer and found one pack of drug. She took it, unknowingly the overdose, which increased her heart rate, soon she got panic attack and was dropped on the floor. Ms.Thomas rushed towards the sound and saw Ann fainted on the floor. She called Mrs. Brown but as usual call was unanswered. She tried Mr. Brown, but he too didn't receive, was in a meeting. She somehow called the driver and took Ann to the hospital. Ann was admitted in ICU, Doctor tried calling Mr. and Mrs. Brown as it was an emergency and a police case. But before anything could be done, everything ended, Ann was no more.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown learned the lesson of negligence and ignorance. The couple was arrested who sacrificed their daughter in the hope of an endless reputation.
All such incidents point to a disturbing trend. So much awareness is created regarding child-abusing and parenting but, still, such incidents are happening.
* What type of parents are these?
* What's the guilt of that little girl?
*Do these parents don't have any feeling for their kids?
*Do kid is a burden for them?
All these questions keep wandering in my head.
Whenever I listen to those unheard weeping sounds of kids, I feel breathless, as if someone is choking me.
Why such type of parenting?
The effects of such parenting are long-lasting. It leads to mental personality disorder in the kids.
Child neglect is a form of child abuse and is a failure of parents in meeting a child's physical, medical, educational, and emotional needs. The victims bear the repercussions day in and day out. They also find it difficult to trust people and hardly share their innermost fears and joys. Some victims turn into rebels while others continue to suffer in silence.
Child abusing is far worse than taking someone's life as the survivors die every single day of their life. Same was the case of Ann, she was often neglected and which turned as the darkest side of her life in which she was killed daily...yes I will say killed, because such parents are the real tormentors. Mr. and Mrs.Brown were the real abusers and murderers of Ann.
The abuse is not always physical, emotional abuse also leaves lasting scars because children grow up in a state of fear and without clear boundaries, they need for healthy psychological and social development. Parenting classes and therapy can provide insights to such parents to fill the gap in their knowledge of parenting.
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Dear Reader,
This is a very sensitive and thought-provoking piece of the story. As a society, we need to spread awareness about child neglect or child abuse. The battle, which the victims' fight is beyond words but with love, encouragement, little more attention, and resilience they can conquer. If you feel that I have highlighted this article with a purpose, the need of the time and touched your cord, then please share your comments.
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