What Should Parents Do if They Cross the Line?

What Should Parents Do if They Cross the Line?
By Megan Trent
December 22, 2010
Story Updated: Dec 22, 2010 at 8:01 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Most parents get frustrated with their children at one point or another, but what happens when adults cross the line?

Child safety advocates say prevention of abuse is key, and the welfare of any child should be priority number one. If an adult finds themselves in an aggravating situation with a child, Jennifer Boen with SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect) says the adult should take a step back and calm down.

But what if the situation has already gotten out of control? 

Boen says, "If they've crossed the line and they've injured their child, or even think that they're going to and they have struck a child or find themselves doing verbal abuse, make that call."

Boen says don't wait - call 9-1-1 immediately, because often times injuries can't be seen or get worse over time.

She says it's important not to avoid calling for help due to a fear of losing one's child. Boen says the priority of SCAN is to keep families together, and around 90% of parents who successfully complete their parenting program are able to do just that.

To find out about programs helping parents learn age-appropriate discipline, visit http://www.scanfw.org

Seriously, if you have a temper tantrum with a child and hurt them, your life as you knew it is over.  So this story is definitely a "must read" for young, new parents.  See my old, OLD essay New (First Time) Parent?