How does one draw the line between discipline and abuse? Using what you have read in this chapter, when do you believe that

On Readings:

How does one draw the line between discipline and abuse? Using what you have read in this chapter, when do you believe that discipline becomes abuse? How would you find support for your opinion in the causal categories proposed?

There is a fine line between discipline and abuse that parents should follow and be aware of. I believe that any type of physical and emotional discipline toward a child is abuse, but others may see it as simply parenting their children. According to the textbook, “Discipline becomes child abuse when there is a violation of the basic human rights of a child, and is an outcome of a set of interrelated familial, social, psychological, and economic factors” (Crosson-Tower, 2021). There are a lot of factors that play into abuse. For example, the type of environment and culture a child is around can influence the type of abuse a child is going through. Growing up in a Hispanic household, my parents would use the belt as a form of discipline because that’s what they were taught when they were younger. CPS would see is it as a form of child abuse because it is physically hurting a child and the child could develop bruises or marks on themselves from getting hit.

What are some protective factors in children and parents?

Some protective factors in children that can be used is having social connections and also expressing and communicating their emotions and feelings in a healthy way. Some protective factors that parents can be using is nurturing and really bonding with their children. This creates a safe stable and nurturing environment for children.

Give three reasons why parents might abuse their children or teens. Explain these.

One reason parents might abuse their children or teens would be them being in stressful situations. For example, possibly losing their job or trying to manage a busy schedule. With everything going on they might get aggravated and take it out on their children. A second reason would be parents that drink alcohol too much. They could get irritated and angry with their children and so would abuse them. A third and final reason parents might abuse their children or teens is that they could possibly have a history of child abuse or neglect, and so continue this cycle with their children.

On the Do No Harm Podcast:

What are your feelings and reactions to the podcast?

My reactions that came when listening to this podcast is that I was shocked and was surprised to find that there is a long process when determining whether or not a child is being abused. I was also shocked to find that CPS prevented Melissa and Dylan from letting their children stay with them. I was also outraged that CPS was not signing off on the move so that Mason can be closer to his mom and have a better recovery from surgery.

What about CPS surprised you? What issues did you hear with the system?

I was surprised to find that CPS loses about a quarter of the state’s CPS case workers every year. The issues that I heard from this podcast was that there is so much paper work, calling people up, and cases that are opened that many case workers decide to leave CPS.