Why do parents abuse?
Sometimes parents that abuse were victims of abuse as children. This is not always so. There are many other reasons that child abuse occurs in families. Alcohol and drug abuse for one. Many times when drugs or alcohol are present, the parent is so drunk or high that they physically are unable to provide the basic needs of their children. This leads to neglect of the child. Drug and alcohol abuse also lead to other types of abuse. The parent’s mind is often so altered by the substance that he or she does things that are normally not in their character. They are still responsible for their actions. Another reason child abuse occurs is lack of parenting skills. This is especially true in teen parents. These teens often have unrealistic expectation of caring for a child, resulting in neglect. These cases can often be remedied with counseling and parenting classes. Mental illness can also be a factor in child abuse. Parents suffering from untreated mental illness often cannot take care of themselves, much less a child who is dependent on them for their basic needs. Also, these parents often display erratic behavior and have uncontrolled fits of rage that can be aimed at the child resulting in physical abuse. Read more about the causes of child abuse here. Whatever the cause, if parents recognize these behaviors in themselves, it is their job to get help and protect their children at all costs.
