Neglectful parenting, also called uninvolved parenting, is characterized by both low demands and low responsiveness. Neglectful parents are emotionally distant and provide little to no supervision. They have few expectations and are often too consumed with their problems to care for their children. As a result, they may intentionally avoid their kids.

Neglectful parenting produces emotionally withdrawn children who have an increased risk of substance abuse. They also feel fear or anxiety about their lack of family support, and they may push people away because they don’t want to depend on others.