Parenting Outline

When Parenting Crosses the Line : Part 2

(Note: If you read the article on Physical Abuse, you'll notice the intro and helplines are the same as they were for that article. This was supposed to be one article initially, but it was split because there is too much to cover for one article alone. Thanks for understanding, dear Readers!)

Of course kids need discipline, but it should never be done when angry with the child or done out of anger, because, well, when we're angry we aren't thinking as clearly as we should. For some, this becomes child abuse. Making disciplinary decisions are best made when adults are not angry or in the heat of the moment. Sometimes walking away and cooling off does wonders for the parents and child.

What is discipline,

Not at all. But sometimes, parents snap and go far over the line, and yes, that is abuse. There are many kinds of abuse: physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual, but I won't get into sexual abuse here… because that's not a parenting problem, that's something else

Whatever. You're right!" Or insist that you repeat what they said and then, later, claim, "You agreed with me (then)!" No one wants to have discussions that end up like this, they're exasperating, and adults have more control of their emotions. Children have even less control, so conversations like this can end up in the child getting themselves in trouble, because they 'snap' and yell back at the parent.

Instead of arguing, actually talk about the topic and try and see things from their point of view. This is important when it happens with adults, but it's more important with children, because their point of view is even more different.

3- Backing Into A Corner

Somehow manage to physically back you into a corner or somewhere you cannot easily escape during intense conversations? This takes it into a borderline physical and verbal abuse situation. It makes the child feel trapped and scared, and that is never ok. Everyone should feel like they can escape from a bad situation.

Instead of physically controlling the situation, keep your cool and stay back. Breathe. And never back the child into a corner.

2- “Telling On