Christensen, Marilyn Holm. "'The Teacher Called Me Stupid, Mommy!'" Redbook 173 (October 1989): 144-145+.
This article discusses the problem of emotional abuse by teachers. It is noted that the problem has become widespread in recent years. Although only 1 or 2 percent of all teachers are abusive, hundreds of children can be affected over the course of a single teacher's career. The author questions why nothing is being done to stop emotional abuse by teachers. Some reasons for this include the fact that principals defend teachers rather than students; principals don't want to stir up problems with their superiors, and; it is difficult to prove that emotional abuse ever occurred. If a parent suspects emotional abuse, he or she should try to talk to the teacher about it. If that approach fails, the parent should take the problem to the principal, school board, or the state commissioner of education. It is suggested that the training of teachers should focus on this problem. In addition, it is suggested that parents become more directly involved in school programs.
Putnam, Nicholas. "Emotional Abuse." Parents Magazine 59 (September 1984): 77+.
Emotional abuse of children is as serious a problem as physical abuse and sexual abuse. In fact, this article points out that emotional abuse is worse than physical abuse because its effects last a lifetime. Case histories are given to show the extent to which children are damaged by emotional abuse. The author points out that repetitive abuse damages children most. A child might recover from one incident of emotional abuse; however, serious harm often comes about when a parent repeats the abuse and thus reinforces a negative sense of self-esteem. The author warns that even "negative humor" can be damaging to a child's self-esteem. Parents are advised to avoid abusing their children psychologically and to try to balance negativity with positive values such as love and...