I see the author of this article writes:
"As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home."

What you see as betrayal, I do not believe the children saw as betrayal, and yes, they did leave home, but old enough to go to school and do something with their lives. The fact that Jeannette became a journalist shows that the parents gave her something that you can't see. I think when the father gave them a gift of a star named after them for a Christmas present, was far better than the lies we tell our children about Santa and some of the junk we waste our money on.