Helping my boss' husband out with their 2 little kids while she's away. He snapped and pushed them away roughly (imagining hitting them, he told me later) and left me alone with the 2 inconsolable children. What can/should I tell my boss? HOW? Any good resources I can recommend to a couple with 2 terrible twos and many more meltdowns to come? [more inside]
posted by chrysanthemum on Feb 26, 2013 - 46 answers

If you have experienced child sexual abuse and came to some sort of healing what do you wish you had known from the beginning? What words of advice do you have for someone just beginning to go down that path? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 19, 2013 - 17 answers

I hate being photographed and avoid mirrors because of emotional abuse in the past. How can I overcome this, and how can I make sure I don't give my kids messed up ideas? [more inside]
posted by 5_buck_sock_pup on Nov 19, 2012 - 19 answers

I am looking for article/s pertaining to childhood and outside adult support from a dysfunctional family. [more inside]
posted by annsunny on May 9, 2012 - 2 answers

Please help me find an empathic Vancouver, BC area family lawyer. [more inside]
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats on Apr 30, 2012 - 4 answers

What are some informative self-help books and other resources (preferably online or UK-based) for adults dealing with abusive parents who have undiagnosed cognitive deficits and are emotionally stunted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 1, 2012 - 2 answers

Are my nieces and nephews being abused and if so, how do I go about getting them to open up? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 29, 2009 - 31 answers

My four year old alleges our new nanny called him, “stupid” and hit him. He is generally a reliable narrator, but he is only four. How do I find out for sure? Apologies in advance for the copious details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 3, 2009 - 57 answers

If children are sponges and caretakers have issues what are the kids absorbing? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier on Oct 3, 2008 - 7 answers

How can I help stop child abuse, other than writing a check? [more inside]
posted by middleclasstool on Aug 28, 2008 - 19 answers

[book/other media recommendations]: I'm researching the sexualization of children, found in abusive situations as well as in less obvious contexts like child beauty pageants. Has there been a particular book/movie/situation that most eloquently laid out this topic for you? [more inside]
posted by ibeji on Mar 14, 2006 - 16 answers

What leads to a child/young adult picking up a parent's behavior (good or bad), rather than rebelling against it? [more inside]
posted by ontic on Aug 5, 2005 - 13 answers

How do you best support a survivor of childhood abuse? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 24, 2005 - 17 answers

I was raised by an abusive father. Now in my early 30's I am looking ahead to the future when I may become a father. I am determined not to recreate the family environment I grew up in but know how these things sometimes turn out -- that people determined not to recreate something sometimes wind up doing so in an unforseen manner. I was in therapy for 2 years in my 20's to work on the issues but therapy is not an option now because of money. I have worked hard not to be my father, but part of me is afraid that I will wind up being like him as a parent. (In particular, I worry about being a father to a son because of my history). I am looking for information about the father-son relationship as well as information about how to be a good parent when you have a background like mine. Please offer advice, books, suggestions - anything that can help.
posted by anonymous on Feb 13, 2005 - 16 answers

ChildNeglectFilter: The new neighbor children have started coming to our door every day, desperately needing attention. What should (or can) we do? [mi] [more inside]
posted by butternut on Nov 30, 2004 - 26 answers