We may not realize this fact, but EACH of us can sometimes save a child from abuse.
Pay attention to when family members or just someone says they are "stressed" or their child or children are "pissing them off" = these are possible signs of someone that needs you to perhaps offer to give them a break from their kids. Not that they are bad parents or hate their kids - just need some time to regain their sanity.
With times being hard and a lot of single parents not having family nearby, some kids get the tail end of their parent's anger, frustration or just plain depression.
Believe me, I have been there and had to "shut" myself in my room to avoid slapping my little "princess" (now 24)...
Yes, I was fortunate to realize that it was not her fault I was raising her on my own or that my boss was a total "jerk" that day. She did not realize that mom needed some time to "destress" before she starting whining or crying about something.
Last edited by Angela J. Shirley; 05/01/11 04:01 PM.