Page 196 - ILIAS ATHANASIADIS AKA RO1

Monitor the Media in Your Home

Monitoring and excluding violent media, including TV, videos, music, and computer
games, gives the whole family the message that violence is not going to be glamorized

in your home.

There’s a lot of debate about whether or not violent media is harmful and parents should
do what they think is best. But if violence or abuse is a problem in your home then I say

get rid of the violent media as a way to help create a non-violent culture in your home.

Be a Role Model for Your Child

As a parent, you need to be a role model. If you and your spouse are hurting one another

or hurting your children to get your way, don’t be surprised if your child mimics you.

Kids watch parents for a living. It’s their job. It’s what they do. If parents model
violence and poor problem-solving, it’s natural for the kids to do the same.

Let me be very clear: if one parent is behaving violently, it’s the other parent’s job to

protect that child. I’ll say it again—there’s no excuse for abuse in your household. No
one should be allowed to abuse anyone else.

This is my nice way of saying that if you’re locked in a relationship where your partner

is being violent with your children, it’s your job to protect your children no matter what
the cost to that relationship.

There are cases where parents cross the line into violence because they’re frustrated and

angry with their child’s constant behavior problems.

But that’s still no excuse for abuse. Children who are treated violently often grow up to

be violent adults.

If parents find themselves crossing the line, that’s a sure sign they need outside help. My
advice to them is to seek it as soon as possible before things get any worse.