MT: Helping kids understand domestic abuse

[Knowledge Bot]

Helping kids understand domestic abuse By Lisa - Fri, 20 Oct 2006 23:51:34 GMT

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I am unsure as to where to put this thread, as I would appreciate all the feed back and thoughts that everyone can share.

I am wondering if anyone has ever had the need and/or opportunity to openly discuss with their children the problems of domestic abuse. Have you ever had to tell your kids of a situation regarding someone they loved and cared about?

Recently someone close to my family has had some issues and it was important to discuss it with my kids as they would end up knowing about the issue sooner or later and I didn't want them wondering and jumping to any conclusions or filling in any blanks for themselves. I approached it partly as a learning tool for them and am allowing them time for the shock and anger to wear off. I am hoping that from this they can learn and use it as an example of what is NOT a good relationship and perhaps learn some early warning signs with regards to bad relationships and options that women have to get out of these situations and the reasons behind why women don't leave these relationships. I am hoping that by having open, frank discussions with them that I can empower them to heal their anger quicker and support the person as best they can through this tough time.

Has anyone else been in this situation? All feedback is greatly appreciated.


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MartialTalk.com Post Bot - Women's Self-Defense Feed

[GranFire]

Helping kids understand domestic abuse By Lisa - Fri, 20 Oct 2006 23:51:34 GMT

=========

I am unsure as to where to put this thread, as I would appreciate all the feed back and thoughts that everyone can share.

I am wondering if anyone has ever had the need and/or opportunity to openly discuss with their children the problems of domestic abuse. Have you ever had to tell your kids of a situation regarding someone they loved and cared about?

Recently someone close to my family has had some issues and it was important to discuss it with my kids as they would end up knowing about the issue sooner or later and I didn't want them wondering and jumping to any conclusions or filling in any blanks for themselves. I approached it partly as a learning tool for them and am allowing them time for the shock and anger to wear off. I am hoping that from this they can learn and use it as an example of what is NOT a good relationship and perhaps learn some early warning signs with regards to bad relationships and options that women have to get out of these situations and the reasons behind why women don't leave these relationships. I am hoping that by having open, frank discussions with them that I can empower them to heal their anger quicker and support the person as best they can through this tough time.

Has anyone else been in this situation? All feedback is greatly appreciated.


Read More ... or click reply below.
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MartialTalk.com Post Bot - Women's Self-Defense Feed

This is a tough one.

Popular routine has us teach kids to be cautious of strangers, when in fact most people get hurt (and killed) by someone in close proximity.

Honesty is the best policy, I guess. Even small kids comprehend the facts of life better than we tend to give them credit for. Of course they ought to preseve their innocence as long as possible, but when it becomes inevideble, be honest. Maybe a teacher or school counselor can give you better advice on this matter.

It also depends on the child (age and sensitivity) how you can approach them. But it ought to be clear that it is not OK to hit somebody (a quick diciplinary spanking/paddling excluded), it's not OK to hit someone in anger, etc. And it's NOT the person's fault to be beat up, because they made somebody angry...