I think we should be a more child centred society and real abuse should be disclosed. This includes emotional abuse which largely goes ignored.
However where do we draw the line between occasional imperfect parenting and the term abuse?
On MN I have read that walking too fast whilst holding your child's hand is abusive. That threatening to withold pudding because the child won't eat main course is abusive. The smacking debate also worries me because although I am anti smacking, I do not feel that a mum who has a less than pefect moment and smacks her child because she is at the end of her tether, should be labelled a child abuser.
I was the victim of emotional abuse at the hands of a bullying father and passive mother. I would never treat my child like this, yet I will admit on the very odd occasion I have tapped him on the leg through sheer frustration and exhaustion. I have felt guilty and apologised and hugged him. I know it is wrong, so am I an abuser?
Where are these perfect parents who never shout, smack, bribe or threaten?