Anxiety Disorders and Stress Q 28
Which comment about a 3-year-old child if made by the parent may indicate child abuse?
A. “Once my child is toilet trained, I can still expect her to have some."
B. “When I tell my child to do something once, I don’t expect to have to tell."
C. “My child is expected to try to do things such as dress and feed.”
D. “My three (3)-year-old loves to say NO.”
Correct Answer: B. “When I tell my child to do something once, I don’t expect to have to tell.”
Abusive parents tend to have unrealistic expectations on the child. Sometimes a parent’s demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance and uses harsh physical discipline.
Option A: In the United States, the average age at which training begins has increased over the past four decades from earlier than 18 months of age to between 21 and 36 months of age. Newer studies suggest no benefit of intensive training before 27 months of age. Mastery of the developmental skills required for toilet training occurs after 24 months of age.
Option C: This is a realistic expectation for a 3-year-old. Often very young children start to be aware of clothing by pulling off easy-to-remove things like socks, shoes, or hats. Sometimes they try to put them on again. You can build on this early awareness by naming the clothes your child has taken off and the body parts they go on.
Option D: Saying no is a normal, healthy way for him to feel as if he has some control. Still, constant conflicts aren’t fun, and they’re often tricky to solve. Giving in sets a bad precedent, while being too strict or forcing your child to do what you want can make him feel helpless, scared, angry — and even more defiant.