Understanding Orphanhood in Familial Contexts

Being raised by parents does not automatically mean a child has their emotional and developmental needs met, creating a dynamic where individuals can experience orphanhood despite living under the same roof as their parents. This phenomenon is often obscured by the narrative that parents fulfill their roles through basic provisions, such as food, shelter, and clothing, which can mislead both the parents and society into believing that neglect is not occurring. Consequently, children may be gaslit into thinking their experiences of deprivation are invalid, as they are told they have a family and are provided for, while their well-being continues to deteriorate. This highlights the importance of recognizing that parental ownership and emotional engagement are crucial for a child's development, rather than just fulfilling physical necessities.