Stones and Sticks May Be Better… A Series on Abuse 2

Usually not so easily detected, verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse. It is often used by the abuser as a form of control on the child,  stemming from some feeling of inadequacy and failure.  And it can manifest in the form of:

• Name Calling
• Direct or Indirect Constant Criticism to the child or even to a third party
• Rejection of the child by saying things like “I wish you were never born”
• Yelling and screaming
• Sarcasm and Mockery
• Neglect of the Child

Most times emotional/verbal abusers are usually those closest to such children – school mates [for instance bullying], family members [including the parents].

Sometimes, it could be overwhelming caring for children, especially the younger ones. But, as a mom, we want to protect our kids from an abusive environment and the long term psychological effects of abuse. So, what if you find yourself in this kind of situation? As difficult as that may be, you need to make some drastic behavioural changes to save yourself and your child from this kind of behaviour.

So, what can you do?

• Don’t hesitate to offer your child an apology if you have lashed out inappropriately or in anger
• Set realistic and age-appropriate expectations for your child. Understand that this child has his own limitations and there are certain things he cannot do yet. This will help you in your feelings of frustration when dealing with your child
• Always take a short break to calm down on your anger before you respond to your child. This will help you to respond better and in a more loving way
• Take a break to rest well. Sometimes, fatigue and sleep deprivation may lend a hand to your feeling of irritability, and consequently, angry responses.
• Offer your child appreciation when they have done things worthy of commendation

What if you’re not the one involved, and you just want to protect your child from abusive situations?

• The safety of your child comes first. If your child reports any incidence of abuse to you, then take the report seriously, and don’t shut the child up
• Let your child know that she’s not at fault for being emotionally abused
• Report the issue of abuse to the appropriate quarters – for instance to the Head of School, if it’s a teacher
• Physically remove your child from that situation till the issue of abuse has been resolved with the offending party

“The words with which a child’s heart is poisoned, whether through malice or through ignorance, remain branded in his memory, and sooner or later they burn his soul.” – Carlos Ruiz Zafon

“The language we use to communicate with one another is like a knife. In the hands of a careful and skilled surgeon, a knife can work to do great good. But in the hands of a careless or ignorant person, a knife can cause great harm.” Exactly as it is with our words.”  – Author Unknown

Oluseye Ashiru

This post was first published on www.strivingnigerianmom.com