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 - 17 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