How to Recognize Parent Abuse

Parent abuse is also known as the silent abuse because many times parents don't report it. It is natural for teens to go through a separation period where they are trying to become individuals; however, sometimes it turns violent. There are several forms of parent abuse, including verbal, emotional and physical.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Keep an eye out that verbal assaults on one or both parents doesn't turn to physical abuse, such as hitting, shoving, spitting or throwing things. Parent abuse is like spousal abuse. The abuser is usually remorseful and vows not to let it happen again, although it usually does.
2. Watch your child to see if he is a substance abuser. Sometimes, substance abuse goes hand-in-hand with physical or verbal abuse. The teen may also abuse siblings or pets.
3. Take the blame off of yourself unless you have abused your child. Many times, an abusive teen has experienced some sort of abuse, such as sexual, physical or emotional traumas. It is possible that he may not tell you that he's been assaulted or abused if he feels guilty, embarrassed, afraid or is protecting someone. If possible, ask your child about this.
4. Examine what changes have gone in within the family structure, at school or with friends. These changes may have a negative affect on your child, which may cause him to act out his anger toward you.
5. Confront your child to let him know this behavior is wrong, and call your local family violence prevention agency for a list of qualified counselors.

Tips & Warnings

• Set strict boundaries for your child to let him know you are the one in charge.
• Get help for him and you. Family counseling should be considered.
• Don't become an enabler by giving into the abusive behavior. Parent abuse should not be tolerated.