One of the biggest issues with parents of violent children which may cause them to avoid seeking help is they feel responsible, often carrying a lot of shame, blame and guilt. As a parent, have you ever asked yourself:
“What did I do wrong?”
“If I had been a better parent, would this have happened?”
“If it’s not my fault, then whose fault is it?”
The truth is there are many reasons a child may become violent toward a parent. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a combination of factors increase the risk of violent behaviors in children and adolescents.
Causes and contributors to child violence include:
- Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse
- Exposure to violence in the home and/or community
- Genetic (family heredity) factors
- Exposure to violence in media (TV, movies, etc.)
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Presence of firearms in home
- Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family)
- Brain damage from head injury
- Other mental, emotional or physical challenges (autism, schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder)
If you are the parent of a violent child, we encourage you to read some of the articles on our site and answers to frequently asked questions. If you feel you need help, Breaking the Cycle is here for you. We invite you to learn more about our programs for parents, or to reach out to us via e-mail.
