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When You Feel Like Hitting Your Child |
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Being a parent is a tough job. It is stressful, and lasts 24 hours a day. With most jobs we get some training on how to do it...but not with parenting. Children are not born with an instruction book.
Most people who hit their children in anger feel more stress than they can handle. Many of the stresses that we all experience, like job, marriage, or money stress, seem worse when we have a crying baby who does not sleep much. Babies and young children are very demanding. This can be hard to deal with when there is no one for parents to turn to for a break from the kids. Often times, relatives live far away and we may not know our neighbors well. So if you feel stressed to the point you think about hitting your child, you are not alone. Many parents feel angry when they are stressed. But feeling angry and acting on that anger are two different things. These feelings tell us it is time to look for help and support. If you are afraid that you or someone else will hit, shake, or otherwise hurt your child, call a help line such as: - Lifeline (02) 6257 1111
- Parent Support service (02) 6278 3995
You can also call your doctor a counsellor, or your local clergy for advice and help. Article #4851 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
