They have to maintain a reputation and if anything were to happen to their status, things would start to fall apart. For this reason, adults are focused on themselves and do not dedicate enough time and attention to the children around them. Belyaev from "A Trifle from Life" never pays attention to his girlfriend's son, Alyosha, and doesn't even have any respect for the child. Belyaev snitches on Alyosha, and when Alyosha tries to question why he would do such a thing, “Belyaev dismissed him with a wave of his hand and continued walking up and down” (Chekhov 21). Alyosha is hurt, betrayed, and cries, but "[Belyaev] was absorbed in his resentment and was unaware of the boy's presence, as he had always been" (Chekhov 21). Belyaev believes that he is better than the child, and because he is so self-absorbed, “he, an adult and serious person, had no thought to devote to boys” (Chekhov 21). The only person who sees how Belyaev treats Alyosha is Alyosha himself and can do nothing about it. Adults do not hear or pay attention to young children, but children notice and are emotionally affected by the treatment they receive. Over time, children become just like adults and trust becomes weak, communication becomes poor and people's attitudes are likely to change.