My parents abuse me

My parents hit me and chew me out, They want everything to be perfect but nothing is perfect unless you are God. Do I look like God?

I don’t want to tell my friends or teachers, but I do want them to stop hitting me.

-Crybaby

Dear Crybaby,

You are not a crybaby, and I’d like to chew them out! Some parents fly off the handle and say or do things they later regret. Some kids try to understand or forgive them while also trying to live on tiptoe. If you get hit a lot and don’t feel safe in your own home, think about talking to a trusted adult (a relative? school counselor? minister or rabbi?) or placing an anonymous call to ask for information or help.

Talk to the Child Abuse Hot Line at (800) 422-4453, or the National Domestic Violence Hot Line at (800) 799-SAFE, or call the Covenant House nine-line at (800) 999-9999. You are not alone, and a nearby adult can help you, but you may have to ask for that help. Keep believing and protecting yourself. Things can get better.

SERIOUS STUFF? For serious issues, don’t wait. Visit our HELP! page now.

For more on Carol Weston, visit her website: carolweston.com.

POSTED IN problems with my parents, abuse