Remember

DISCIPLINE helps a child learn a lesson that will carry over and positively affect future behavior. ABUSE affects the future in a negative way, leading to anger, hatred and more deviant behavior.
DISCIPLINE enhances the child's sense of self worth, helping the child learn self-control and thus becoming comfortable within the family and in society. ABUSE robs the child of self worth and causes him/her to feel outcast and resentful.
DISCIPLINE is not shame or guilt. ABUSE is shame or guilt which satisfies the needs of the parents at the moment and destroys the self image of the child in a hostile manner.
DISCIPLINE is taught by example. But so is abuse!
Adapted from Child Discipline: Guidelines for Parents by Gary May.


http://www.nationalcac.org/families/for_workers/abuse_indicators.html