Everyone gets angry sometimes. But if we find ourselves losing control or lashing out at our child, we need to stop and take time out.

Stop. Think about what we are doing.

Take Time Out. When we are angry, we need to take time to calm down before responding to our child.

When Parenting Becomes Difficult, We Can:

• Take a break. Get someone else to care for the child for awhile. Truly, no one can be a perfect parent for 24 hours every day.
• Find out what is normal behavior for the child’s age. Friends and loved ones who have older children can often give good advice, and so can a pediatrician or pediatric nurse.
• Take the child in for regular check ups with a pediatrician or pediatric nurse. We can share any concerns with a healthcare professional. Sometimes a health problem will be found, but usually the pediatrician or nurse will be able to help by giving advice about the child’s behavior.

Points to Remember:

• Bringing up children is not easy. There are plenty of frustrations.
• Sometimes normal child behavior can trigger some parents to hurt their children. But it is the parents’ responsibility to avoid abusing their children. Child abuse is never the child’s fault.
• Absolutely no parent is perfect. All parents become frustrated at times.
• It is very helpful for parents to find a short time each day that is set aside for personal time.
• If we recognize a behavior in our child that might trigger abuse, we can ask a friend, family member, or healthcare professional for advice and support.

For more information on how to prevent child physical abuse, please visit Resources or contact PCAND at 1.800.403.9932 (toll-free in ND), 701.223.9052, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sources: Cool Down Before Things Heat Up, R.K. Oates, M.D., Prevent Child Abuse America Publications. Emotional Abuse: Words Can Hurt, Marla Brassard and Stuart Hart, Prevent Child Abuse America Publications.