Violence Seen By Our Children

Violence in our family has been long ignored. Everyone we speak to agrees violence is not the answer going as far as recounting instances where an individual was taught’ a lesson via violence which was simply fruitless. Everyone we speak to agrees children need love and attention the most. Then why do we think it is okay to combine these opposites and give our acceptance to violence in our home? Violence is a cycle. It will repeat. Maybe not in the same manner it was received, but it will repeat. Our children being exposed to violence to others in their home and/or being subjected to violence themselves are affected not only in that moment but for the rest of their lives. Domestic and family violence affects their physical and mental wellbeing, development, schooling, and a potential avenue for escalated events in the future that results in jail or worse. Our culture has created situations where hitting your child lightly’ is acceptable only to teach them a lesson. But why can we not use our words? We teach them to use theirs when they fight with their siblings or the neighbourhood kids. Who defines lightly? More importantly, who decides that it is time for teaching a lesson or a mistake has been made? Parents need to understand the ever changing environment children are growing up in currently. There are more pressures from the outside world to look a certain way, live a certain lifestyle, and present yourself with words and languages in a certain way. These situations will continue to arise with your children and they will deal with exact situation with their children. This is the golden opportunity to be an actual parent and listen to them to come to a conclusion whether it requires them changing via your education or you changing with a refined perspective. It will help create a line of communication where your child can use when things are simply uncomfortable to outright unbearable. This is the way to make sure your children are not engaging in drugs, alcohol, or violence to release their emotions and will not continue when they have their own family. If anything, take this opportunity to identify possible or ongoing family violence in your home and strive to a more peaceful and respectful family life. Support them by having a conversation. Protect them when they are facing violence. Build a closer bond with them. Equip them with the most powerful tool they have; mouth. Teach them respect by respecting them. Be a parent. Info: